This course, aimed at those who have a good knowledge of the Greek language, intends to provide the student with a critical understanding of some of the fundamental genres, themes and authors in the literary landscape of ancient Greece. Particular attention will be paid to Homeric epic, archaic lyric poetry and oratory. The course is also aimed at providing students with:

- the necessary skills to be able to read the works covered in the course in the original language;

- the ability to fully understand the linguistic structures and, through them, the contents, meanings and functions of the works examined;

- the methodological tools useful for reading texts with special attention paid to the different metric forms and the peculiarities of the different literary genres.

- the skills and tools useful for dealing with the study of other authors of the Greek world and their respective production.

Students are expected to have knowledge of all the topics covered in class, metrical reading of iambic trimeter and dactylic hexameter, translation and commentary of the texts analyzed; they must also show a good knowledge of Greek literature, its different phases and major exponents, with special attention to the evolution of literary genres.

The program intends to examine some genres, themes, and authors of particular importance in the context of the literary production of ancient Greece.

a. Part I: Epic (first semester)

Analysis of the most important aspects of the Homeric epic (language, meter, Homeric question);

Translation and commentary on selected passages from Iliad and Odissey (Il. 4, 370-410; 6, 155-205; 9, 527-599; Od. 11, 225-334).

b. Part II: Poetry (first and second semester)

Analysis of the main characteristics of different genres of Greek poetry (iamb, elegy, monodic and choral lyric).

Translation and commentary on a selection of poetic compositions from Polinnia (see below).

c. part III: Oratory (second semester)

Discussion of the fundamental aspects of the oratory genre.

Translation and commentary on selected passages from the speeches of Lysias, Isocrates, Demosthenes, and Aeschines (Lysias, Against Agoratus 1-22; 82-97; Isocrates, Panegyricus 23-50; Aeschines, On the False Embassy 1-18; 143-184; Demosthenes, On the False Embassy 1-31; 241-267).

None

Students will acquire fundamental knowledge of the history of ancient Greek literature. The students must be able to translate, analyse and interpret a literary text. They will develop expository and argumentative skills, methodology of studying, and critical autonomy in order to approach more in-depth studies in this field.

At the end of the course the student will be acquired:

Knowledge and understanding

- knowledge of the topics analysed during the course;

- knowledge of the main outlines of Greek literature from the origins to the imperial age, with particular attention to both the main authors and the various literary genres;

- skill to understand a text in the original language.

Applying knowledge and understanding

- knowledge and understanding of the specific characteristics of the main works and issues related to Greek literature;

- knowledge of the fundamental aspects of modern critical debate with regard to the different phases of Greek literature;

- skill to contextualize the topics covered in the course in their synchronic and diachronic dimension;

- skill to analyze the literary texts in the original language, through the analysis of linguistic, metric-rhythmic and stylistic structures.

Making judgements

-   skill to take a critical approach towards the texts examined during the course;

-  skill to acquire specific knowledge in the field of Greek literature in view of the development of autonomous, scientifically based judgments;

Communication skills

- skill to explain the acquired contents clearly and through the use of discipline-specific vocabulary, both to specialists in the field and non-specialists;

- skill to argue issues and problems in this specific field of study.

Learning skills

- skill to know how to correctly use the study material indicated by the teacher during the lessons;

- skill to independently find research tools and in-depth materials on a linguistic and literary level

- skill to independently approach the study of authors, genres, and themes of Greek literature

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The course can be supplemented by relevant seminars and conferences or, in any case, of educational and methodological relevance with regard to the methods and the themes of ancient Greek Literature.

Teaching

Lectures

Attendance

A good knowledge of Greek language is required.

Attending students are requested to regularly take part in lectures and, if provided, supplementary seminars.

Course books

a. Part I: Epic (first Semester)

- The text of the analyzed Homeric passages will be taken from the following critical editions:

D. B. Monro-T. W. Allen (edd.), Homer. Iliad I-II, Clarendon Press, Oxford 1969-1971; 

AA.VV. Omero. Odissea 1-6, Milano, Fondazione Lorenzo Valla 1981-2004.

- For an italian translation of Iliad, with some notes of commentary, see Omero. Iliade. Introduzione e traduzione di G. Cerri. Commento di A. Gostoli, con un saggio introduttivo di W. Schadewaldt, Rizzoli, Milano, 1996, or Omero. Iliade. Traduzione di G. Paduano. Saggi introduttivi di G. Paduano e M. S. Mirto, Einaudi, Torino, 2012.

- the student is required to read one of the following books: 

F. Montanari, Introduzione a Omero, Sansoni, Firenze, 2013.

A. Ercolani, Omero. Introduzione allo studio dell’epica arcaica, Carocci, Bologna, 2006.

b. Part II: Poetry (first and second semester)

For the texts of Greek poetry, the volume edited by B. Gentili and C. Catenacci, Polinnia. Poesia greca arcaica, D'Anna, Messina-Firenze, 2007, will be used.

c. parte III: Oratory (second semester)

- For the texts of the oratory genre, the following critical editions will be used:

C. Carey, Lysiae Orationes cum fragmentis, Clarendon Press,Oxford, 2007.

M. R. Dilts, Aeschinis Orationes, Stutgardiae; Lipsiae : in aedibus B. G. Teubneri, 1997.

S. H. Butcher, Demosthenis Orationes I, Clarendon Press, Oxford 1903.

G. Mathieu - E. Brémond, Isocrates, Discours, Les Belles Lettres, Paris 1962.

Concerning the oratory genre, students are required to read two texts of their choice from the following list:

D. Piovan, Memoria e oblio della guerra civile. Strategie giudiziarie e racconto del passato in Lisia, Pisa, Edizioni ETS, 2011, pp. 95-179.

L. Porciani 'L'ideologia politica del Panegirico di Isocrate', Annali Scuola Normale Pisa 1, 1996, pp. 31-39.

I. Labriola, introduzione all'orazione Sull'ambasceria tradita, in L. Canfora et alii, Discorsi e Lettere di Demostene, vol. III,  Torino, UTET, 2000, pp. 217-257.

P. Leone, introduzione a Eschine, in M. Marzi et alii (edd.), Oratori attici minori I, Torino, UTET, 1977, pp. 331-362.

Further bibliography will eventually be indicated by the teacher during the lessons.

The student is also required to show a knowledge of Greek literature in one of the following handbook, G. Guidorizzi, La letteratura greca. Testi autori società,  Milano 1996 (Mondadori Università); G. A. Privitera-R. Pretagostini, Storia e forme della letteratura greca, Milano 1997 (Einaudi Scuola); L. E. Rossi – R. Nicolai, Lezioni di letteratura greca, Firenze 2011 (Le Monnier); A. Porro – W. Lapini, Letteratura greca, Bologna 2017 (Il Mulino). 

The texts are available at the Universitary library of San Girolamo.

Assessment

The oral exam will consist of questions on the arguments dealt with in the lessons and on the history of Greek literature, and on the translation and a commentary on some of the texts read and analyzed during the course. 

About the assessment:

Excellent - students who demonstrate: an excellent knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; good critical and in-depth skills; a solid ability to connect the main issues addressed in the course; use of appropriate language for the specific discipline.

Good - students who demonstrate: a good knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; a good knowledge of the contents, lacking however strong critical and in-depth skills; a modest ability to connect the various issues dealt with: use of appropriate language for the specific discipline.

Sufficient - students who demonstrate: a sufficient knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; basic knowledge of the topics dealt with, despite some possible weaknesses; use of inappropriate language.

Negative - students who demonstrate: an insufficient knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; insufficient knowledge of the topics dealt with; significant difficulties; use of inappropriate language. At the end of the first and second semester, on the dates established by the university academic calendar, intermediate examinations are scheduled. These examinations consist of an oral exam on the covered course material and are optional. However, if the student decides to take advantage of them, both exams must be taken. During the exam registration process, the student may request that the average of the grades obtained in the two intermediate exams be recorded, or they may choose to take a completely new exam. If the student does not take either the first or second exam, they will be required to take the full exam."

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study

Attendance

The programme for non-attending students is the same as for attending students.

Non-attending students can contact the teacher for explanations. 

Solid knowledge of the ancient Greek language is required.

Course books

a. Part I: Epic (first Semester)

- The text of the analyzed Homeric passages will be taken from the following critical editions:

D. B. Monro-T. W. Allen (edd.), Homer. Iliad I-II, Clarendon Press, Oxford 1969-1971; 

AA.VV. Omero. Odissea 1-6, Milano, Fondazione Lorenzo Valla 1981-2004.

- For an italian translation of Iliad, with some notes of commentary, see Omero. Iliade. Introduzione e traduzione di G. Cerri. Commento di A. Gostoli, con un saggio introduttivo di W. Schadewaldt, Rizzoli, Milano, 1996, or Omero. Iliade. Traduzione di G. Paduano. Saggi introduttivi di G. Paduano e M. S. Mirto, Einaudi, Torino, 2012.

- the student is required to read one of the following books: 

F. Montanari, Introduzione a Omero, Sansoni, Firenze, 2013.

A. Ercolani, Omero. Introduzione allo studio dell’epica arcaica, Carocci, Bologna, 2006.

b. Part II: Poetry (first and second semester)

For the texts of Greek poetry, the volume edited by B. Gentili and C. Catenacci, Polinnia. Poesia greca arcaica, D'Anna, Messina-Firenze, 2007, will be used.

c. parte III: Oratory (second semester)

- For the texts of the oratory genre, the following critical editions will be used:

C. Carey, Lysiae Orationes cum fragmentis, Clarendon Press,Oxford, 2007.

M. R. Dilts, Aeschinis Orationes, Stutgardiae; Lipsiae : in aedibus B. G. Teubneri, 1997.

S. H. Butcher, Demosthenis Orationes I, Clarendon Press, Oxford 1903.

G. Mathieu - E. Brémond, Isocrates, Discours, Les Belles Lettres, Paris 1962.

Concerning the oratory genre, students are required to read two texts of their choice from the following list:

D. Piovan, Memoria e oblio della guerra civile. Strategie giudiziarie e racconto del passato in Lisia, Pisa, Edizioni ETS, 2011, pp. 95-179.

L. Porciani 'L'ideologia politica del Panegirico di Isocrate', Annali Scuola Normale Pisa 1, 1996, pp. 31-39.

I. Labriola, introduzione all'orazione Sull'ambasceria tradita, in L. Canfora et alii, Discorsi e Lettere di Demostene, vol. III,  Torino, UTET, 2000, pp. 217-257.

P. Leone, introduzione a Eschine, in M. Marzi et alii (edd.), Oratori attici minori I, Torino, UTET, 1977, pp. 331-362.

Further bibliography will eventually be indicated by the teacher during the lessons.

The student is also required to show a knowledge of Greek literature in one of the following handbook, G. Guidorizzi, La letteratura greca. Testi autori società,  Milano 1996 (Mondadori Università); G. A. Privitera-R. Pretagostini, Storia e forme della letteratura greca, Milano 1997 (Einaudi Scuola); L. E. Rossi – R. Nicolai, Lezioni di letteratura greca, Firenze 2011 (Le Monnier); A. Porro – W. Lapini, Letteratura greca, Bologna 2017 (Il Mulino). 

The texts are available at the Universitary library of San Girolamo.

Assessment

The oral exam will consist of questions on the arguments dealt with in the lessons and on the history of Greek literature, and on the translation and a commentary on some of the texts read and analyzed during the course. 

About the assessment:

Excellent - students who demonstrate: an excellent knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; good critical and in-depth skills; a solid ability to connect the main issues addressed in the course; use of appropriate language for the specific discipline.

Good - students who demonstrate: a good knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; a good knowledge of the contents, lacking however strong critical and in-depth skills; a modest ability to connect the various issues dealt with: use of appropriate language for the specific discipline.

Sufficient - students who demonstrate: a sufficient knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; basic knowledge of the topics dealt with, despite some possible weaknesses; use of inappropriate language.

Negative - students who demonstrate: an insufficient knowledge of ancient Greek language and literature; insufficient knowledge of the topics dealt with; significant difficulties; use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.