Ateneo - UPO

The integrated course introduces students to the language and literary civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome through two coordinated modules.

The Latin module focuses on the fundamental structures of the Latin language, the comprehension and translation of simple prose texts, and the development of Latin literature from its origins to the Augustan age.

The Greek module examines the relationship between myth and poetry in ancient Greece through texts from epic, lyric poetry, tragedy and comedy, with attention to their historical and performative contexts and to Aristotle’s theory of poetry.

Taken together, the two modules provide basic knowledge of the classical literary civilizations, language skills relating to Latin, and tools for understanding and interpreting texts within their respective historical, cultural and communicative contexts.

a) Introduction to Latin Language and Literary Civilization module

Compulsory texts for all students:

P. Fedeli, E. Malaspina, L. Antonelli, Le parole di Roma. Storia della letteratura latina, Turin, UTET, 2023.
Selected readings from individual authors and supplementary materials available on the DIR platform, which form an integral part of the examination syllabus in accordance with the instructions provided in the “Detailed Programme” section.
M.P. Ciuffarella, A. Diotti, InGenio. Lezioni di latino 1-2, Milan, Edizioni Scolastiche Mondadori, 2021.

Non-attending students must also prepare:

G. Cavallo, Scrivere e leggere nella città antica, Rome, Carocci, 2019.

b) Introduction to Greek Literary Civilization module

Homer, Odyssey, edited by F. Ferrari, UTET Libreria; alternatively, Homer, Odyssey, edited by V. Di Benedetto, BUR.
Il teatro greco. Tragedie, BUR; alternatively, I tragici greci. Eschilo, Sofocle, Euripide, edited by F.M. Pontani et al., Newton Compton, 2010.
Aristotle, Poetics, edited by D. Lanza, BUR.
Aristophanes, La festa delle donne, edited by G. Paduano, BUR.
A. Beltrametti, La letteratura greca, Rome, Carocci, 2005; alternatively, A. Rodighiero, S. Mazzoldi, D. Piovan, Civiltà letteraria della Grecia antica, Zanichelli, 2025.
A. Ercolani, Esiodo. Opere e giorni, Rome, Carocci, 2010.
E. Csapo, Actors and Icons of the Ancient Theater, Chichester, 2010.
A. Hughes, Performing Greek Comedy, Cambridge, 2014.

The works and sections to be studied are specified in the “Detailed Programme” section.

In line with the learning objectives of the Degree Programme in Humanities, the integrated course aims to:

- provide a basic but solid knowledge of the fundamental structures of the Latin language and of the main developments of Greek and Latin literary civilizations;
- develop the ability to recognize the main morphological and syntactic structures of Latin, understand and translate simple Latin prose texts, and interpret Greek and Latin texts, including in Italian translation, by placing them within their respective historical, cultural and performative contexts;
- guide students in establishing connections between texts, genres and literary traditions and in formulating well-founded judgements on texts and their interpretations, also in the light of ancient theories of poetry;
- promote clear and independent presentation skills, the appropriate use of disciplinary terminology, and the acquisition of tools useful for continuing the independent study of classical languages and literatures.

The integrated course consists of two 6-credit modules. The Latin module includes 70 hours of face-to-face teaching, of which 50 are devoted to language and 20 to literature; the Greek module includes 30 hours of face-to-face teaching. The remaining workload consists of individual study, language exercises, translation activities, and preparation of the prescribed texts and materials.

No prior knowledge of Latin or Greek is required. Students are expected to have a good command of Italian, basic knowledge of ancient history and Mediterranean geography, and basic IT skills necessary to use the DIR platform and digital teaching materials.

The course is reserved for students who meet at least one of the following conditions:

a) an upper secondary school diploma obtained from a programme in which Latin was not studied;
b) a diploma obtained from a programme in which Latin was included in the curriculum only during the first two years and was not studied, including as Latin literature, during the final three years;
c) a diploma obtained more than 15 years before enrolment at the University.

For enrolment as a single-course student, the diploma must have been obtained at least 20 years before the date of enrolment in the course.

In the case of a second degree, a Master’s degree, a transfer, recognition of a previous academic career, or any other previous university career, students must also not have already earned credits in the disciplinary sector L-FIL-LET/04 – Latin Language and Literature, now LATI-01/A.

Eligibility may be verified by requiring a copy of the upper secondary school diploma and, where relevant, documentation relating to the student’s previous university career. Students who do not meet the above requirements must choose the course in Latin Literature and Introduction to Greek Literary Civilization.

There are no formal prerequisites.

The course adopts differentiated but coordinated teaching methods across the two modules.

The Latin module combines lectures on literary history, the reading and commentary of texts in Italian translation, language classes, and exercises in morphology, syntax, analysis, and the guided translation of simple Latin prose texts.

The Greek module includes lectures on genres, myths, and historical and performative contexts, together with the reading and interpretation in Italian translation of the prescribed texts.

Active participation is encouraged through exercises, questions, guided discussions, comparison of interpretations, and reasoned correction of the activities carried out. The DIR platform is used to share texts, exercises, and teaching materials. The Latin module also includes tutoring activities, both in person and online, aimed at consolidating grammar, practising translation, and preparing for the examinations.

Supplementary teaching materials for both modules are available on the Didattica in Rete (DIR) platform.

Enrolment in the course as a single-course student is subject to meeting the requirements set out in the “Required Background Knowledge” section. Before enrolling, students must carefully consult the page of the course coordinator on UPOBook, in particular the “Frequently Asked Questions” section, which contains operational information concerning single-course enrolment: https://upobook.uniupo.it/alice.borgna.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), or Special Educational Needs (SENs) may request dedicated services and support by contacting the Staff for Career Development and Coordination and Student Services and consulting the relevant page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilità-e-dsa. After contacting the relevant University Staff, students may contact the lecturers of the two modules regarding teaching-related matters and any necessary adjustments to the assessment methods.

Assessment consists of three compulsory examinations: a written and an oral examination for the Latin module, and a written examination for the Greek module. All examinations must be passed with at least a satisfactory grade. The final grade is awarded jointly by the lecturers of the two modules on the basis of the student’s overall performance and is not calculated as the arithmetic or weighted average of separate grades.

1. Latin Language written examination
The examination lasts three hours and consists of:

1) a morphology and syntax test, without a dictionary, lasting two hours and accounting for 60% of the written examination grade;
2) the translation from Latin into Italian of a simple prose text, with the use of a dictionary, lasting one hour and accounting for 40%.

A grade of at least 18/30 must be obtained in each part. The written examination may be replaced by the three interim tests provided for in the Latin module. An average grade of 18/30 or above gives direct access to the oral examination; an average between 16/30 and 17/30 requires an additional oral grammar assessment, which must be passed with a satisfactory grade.

2. Latin Literature oral examination
The examination assesses knowledge of the development of Latin literature from its origins to the Augustan age, its principal authors, genres, and historical and cultural contexts; the ability to interpret texts read in Italian translation, formulate well-founded judgements, and establish relevant connections; clarity of expression and appropriate use of disciplinary terminology. Within the assessment of the Latin module, the written examination accounts for 60% and the oral examination for 40%. Attending students may take the oral examination before passing the written examination; non-attending students must pass the written examination first.

3. Greek Literary Civilization written examination
The examination assesses:

1) knowledge of the treatment of myth in the prescribed texts: 33%;
2) knowledge of literary history and of the relevant historical, geographical, and performative contexts: 16.5%;
3) understanding of ancient theories of poetry, with particular reference to Aristotle: 16.5%;
4) the ability to formulate well-founded judgements on the texts and their interpretations: 34%.

Taken together, the examinations assess knowledge and understanding, the application of knowledge, independent judgement, communication skills, and the ability to organize and connect the material studied.

Assessment criteria
A grade between 18 and 22/30 corresponds to knowledge of the essential content, a broadly comprehensible translation, and a simple but correct presentation. A grade between 23 and 26/30 requires secure knowledge, generally correct application of the acquired skills, relevant connections, and good clarity of expression. A grade between 27 and 29/30 requires broad and well-organized knowledge, accurate translation, interpretative independence, and appropriate use of language. Grades of 30/30 and 30/30 with honours require full command of the content, the ability to integrate language, texts, and contexts independently, argumentative rigour, and critical reflection. For honours, a grade of at least 28/30 in the Latin written examination, or as the average of the interim tests, is also required.

For the Latin written examination, the language textbook, exercises, and sample papers available on DIR are particularly useful. For the Latin oral examination, students should use the literature textbook, the prescribed readings, and the materials indicated. For the Greek written examination, students should prepare the works, textbooks, and materials listed in the “Textbooks and Reference Materials” and “Detailed Programme” sections.

The integrated course consists of two coordinated modules, both compulsory.

1. Introduction to Latin Language and Literary Civilization

The module includes a Latin Language section and a Latin Literature section.

Latin Language. Progressive study of the fundamental structures of morphology and syntax: the five declensions; first- and second-class adjectives; personal, determinative, demonstrative and relative pronouns; adverbs; the indicative and imperative moods, verbs in -io, and the active and passive forms of the main verb tenses; present, perfect and future participles; the active periphrastic conjugation; causal, temporal and relative clauses; the main complements and constructions, including the dative of possession and the double dative. Activities include grammatical and logical analysis, comprehension, and the guided translation of simple Latin prose texts.

Latin Literature. Historical development of Latin literature from its origins to the Augustan age, with attention to the main authors and genres, historical, cultural and political contexts, and major interpretative issues. Texts are read in Italian translation and considered within their linguistic, historical and communicative contexts.

Attending students must prepare their lecture notes, pp. 3-13, 43-50, 61-73, 103-113 and 151-322 of the literature textbook, and the readings available on DIR. Non-attending students must prepare pp. 3-322 of the textbook, the readings available on DIR, and G. Cavallo, Scrivere e leggere nella città antica.

2. Introduction to Greek Literary Civilization

The module introduces Greek literary civilization through the relationship between myth and poetry and the reading in Italian translation of fundamental texts. The programme includes: Homer, Odyssey, Books 8-12; Hesiod; Greek lyric poetry, with particular reference to Sappho and Pindar; an introduction to Greek theatre and its performative contexts; Aeschylus, Agamemnon and Prometheus; Sophocles, Oedipus the King and Antigone; Euripides, Medea, Hippolytus and Bacchae; Aristophanes, Women at the Thesmophoria; Aristotle, Poetics. The analysis considers literary genres, mythical traditions, historical and geographical contexts, modes of performance, and Aristotle’s interpretation of epic, tragedy and poetry.

Integration of the gender dimension. The Latin Literature section pays attention to representations of female figures, models of male and female behaviour, family and social roles, and the ways in which Latin texts construct, confirm or challenge the norms, hierarchies and expectations of Roman society.

By the end of the course, students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge and understanding
Minimum passing level: knowledge of the fundamental structures of Latin morphology and syntax; essential knowledge of the development of Latin literature from its origins to the Augustan age and of the main genres, authors, and texts of archaic and classical Greek literature; understanding of the relationship between myth, literary genre, historical context, and modes of performance.
Advanced level: secure and well-organized linguistic and literary-historical knowledge; ability to relate linguistic structures to the functioning of texts and to connect authors, works, genres, myths, and ancient theories of poetry within their respective cultural contexts.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Minimum passing level: ability to recognize the main morphological and syntactic structures and translate simple Latin prose texts into Italian; ability to use literary-historical knowledge to understand Greek and Latin texts read in translation and place them correctly within their contexts.
Advanced level: ability to translate simple Latin texts accurately and coherently; compare texts and genres belonging to the two literary traditions; apply the categories of ancient poetics and historical knowledge to the independent interpretation of texts.

Making judgements
Minimum passing level: ability to formulate relevant observations on texts and on the main interpretations discussed, distinguishing linguistic, historical, and literary evidence from critical evaluations.
Advanced level: ability to discuss the strengths and limitations of interpretations through well-founded arguments; establish original but substantiated connections between texts, myths, genres, and contexts; assess how literary works represent social and gender norms, roles, and hierarchies.

Communication skills
Minimum passing level: ability to present the acquired knowledge in an orderly and comprehensible manner, using grammatical, historical, and literary terminology correctly.
Advanced level: ability to present analyses and interpretations clearly, independently, and rigorously, adapting language where appropriate to non-specialist audiences and educational contexts.

Learning skills
Minimum passing level: ability to use textbooks, texts, exercises, and materials available on DIR to organize individual study, consolidate knowledge, and prepare for the examinations.
Advanced level: ability to identify individual difficulties independently, select appropriate tools to overcome them, and continue the study of Latin language and classical literatures by applying the acquired methods to texts not examined during the course.