Course Details

INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL LITERARY CULTURES

LE0167

Course
INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL LITERARY CULTURES
Code
LE0167
Academic Year
2025/2026
Curriculum Year
2024/2025
Degree Programme
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Curriculum
000 - CORSO GENERICO
Course coordinator
Credits
12
Lecture Hours
50
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
L-FIL-LET/04 - Latin Language and Literature, L-FIL-LET/02 - Greek Language and Literature
Course Type
Integrated learning activity
Course Delivery
OPZ - Opzionale
Year
2
Teaching period
Annuale, Primo Semestre
Campus
VERCELLI
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Introduction to Greek Literature, with a particular focus on the relationship between myth and poetry, and an introduction to the language and literature of the Latin Archaic and Republican periods.
Reference Texts
Students are encouraged to consult the bibliography for both modules that comprise the integrated course.
Learning Outcomes
Objectives - Knowledge and Understanding:
Basic knowledge of Greek archaic and classical poetry genres (epic, lyric, tragedy, comedy), key Greek myths, performance contexts, and Aristotle’s interpretation of these genres.
Understanding of Latin morphology and basic syntax, alongside essential knowledge of Latin literature and its authors up to the Augustan Age.
Awareness of the educational goals of studying Latin, particularly in relation to teaching Italian in secondary schools.
Advanced ability to connect thematic and formal aspects across the texts studied.

Objectives - Application of Knowledge:
Ability to develop and support arguments in interpreting Greek archaic and classical poetry, considering ancient poetic theories.
Ability to translate Latin prose, assessed through a written exam.
Ability to critically evaluate interpretations of Latin literary texts (in Italian translation), with emphasis on historical and political contexts.
Objectives - Critical Judgment:
Ability to assess interpretations of Greek archaic and classical poetry (in Italian translation), focusing on myths, historical context, and performance aspects.

Objectives - Communication Skills:
Ability to present learned concepts clearly and logically, using appropriate language understandable to non-specialists, avoiding rote memorization, and demonstrating personal reasoning.

Objectives - Study Skills:
Ability to gather relevant data from course texts to interpret other Greek works within the same literary genres.
Ability to apply acquired tools and methods to translate Latin texts and analyze literary works.
Prerequisites
To take this exam, basic computer skills, such as internet navigation and the use of files on DIR, are required. Additionally, a good command of the Italian language is necessary, along with fundamental knowledge of ancient history and Mediterranean geography, as taught in high school.

A prior knowledge of Latin is not required. However, the exam can only be taken by individuals who can demonstrate that they graduated from a high school where Latin was either not taught or only included in the first two years. Alternatively, individuals who graduated more than 15 years ago (or 20 years ago for single courses) at the time of enrollment are eligible. Delaying the exam tactically will not be permitted. In cases of second degrees, the exam can be included only if the previous academic background aligns with these conditions and no credits were earned in SSD L-FIL-LET/04. Copies of diplomas and prior study plans will be required for verification.

For students who do not meet these criteria, the exams "Latin Literature" and "Introduction to Greek Literary Civilization" must be included without exception.

For any doubts or questions, students are encouraged to consult the "FAQs" section on the professor’s UpoBook page: https://upobook.uniupo.it/alice.borgna.
Teaching Methods
Lectures on Literature, language lessons and exercises, tutoring sessions, and online teaching.
Additional Information
Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (DSA), or Special Educational Needs (BES) can request dedicated services and tools by contacting the Staff for Career Development and Student Services. They should also consult the dedicated page on the University’s website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa. Once they have been in touch with the University’s Staff (and not before), students may then contact the course instructor regarding the exam arrangements and any educational considerations.
Assessment Methods
The requirements for each component of the integrated course are outlined in the respective modules.
Detailed Syllabus
The detailed syllabus for the two parts of the integrated course can be found in the corresponding modules.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Expected Learning Outcomes Basic Level: Language Component: Ability to understand, translate, and interpret simple Latin prose texts at an elementary level. Students will be assessed on their comprehension and judgment of key elements of Latin heritage in the Italian language. Literature Component: Ability to navigate the historical development of Greek and Latin literature, recognizing significant aspects of the authors studied and situating them in their historical-cultural context and respective literary genres. Students should express judgments on texts and their critical interpretations, discussing the reasons and limitations with a focus on historical-political perspectives. They will demonstrate the ability to present concepts and data clearly and coherently, using appropriate language and avoiding rote memorization, while engaging autonomously with the themes covered for effective communication. Advanced Level: Language Component: Ability to understand, translate, and interpret simple Latin prose texts clearly and accurately. Students will demonstrate deep comprehension and nuanced judgment of the key elements of Latin heritage in the Italian language. Literature Component: Proficiency in navigating the historical development of Greek and Latin literature and in analyzing the intricate aspects of the authors studied, placing them accurately within their historical-cultural contexts and literary genres. Students will articulate detailed judgments on texts and their critical interpretations, engaging critically with their reasons and limitations, especially from historical-political viewpoints. They will exhibit the ability to present concepts and data in an articulate, clear, and sophisticated manner, using rich and appropriate language, while avoiding rote memorization and engaging autonomously with the themes for effective pedagogical communication.

Moduli

Course year 2
Code LE0168
Course INTRODUCTION TO LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERARY CULTURE
SSD L-FIL-LET/04
Campus VERCELLI
Curriculum CORSO GENERICO
Credits 6
Course year 2
Code LE0169
Course INTRODUCTION TO GREEK LITERARY CULTURE
Lecturers FEDERICO FAVI
SSD L-FIL-LET/02
Campus VERCELLI
Curriculum CORSO GENERICO
Credits 6
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31