Ateneo - UPO

Il corso di Cultura latina comprende due parti integrate e inscindibili: una parte di Lingua latina, tenuta dalla dott.ssa Nadia Rosso, e una parte di Letteratura latina, tenuta dalla prof.ssa Alice Borgna.La parte di Lingua latina sarà dedicata al consolidamento delle strutture fondamentali della morfologia e della sintassi latina, con particolare attenzione alla comprensione, all’analisi e alla traduzione di semplici testi latini in prosa. Il lavoro linguistico permetterà inoltre di riflettere sugli elementi più significativi dell’eredità del latino nella lingua italiana, anche in relazione alle finalità didattiche dello studio del latino per l’insegnamento dell’italiano.La parte di Letteratura latina sarà dedicata allo sviluppo storico della letteratura latina di età imperiale. Saranno presi in esame autori, testi, generi letterari e problemi interpretativi significativi del periodo, con attenzione al loro inquadramento storico-culturale, alla prospettiva storico-politica e al genere letterario di appartenenza.Le due parti del corso concorrono congiuntamente alla costruzione di una competenza di base nella cultura latina: da un lato attraverso il rafforzamento degli strumenti linguistici necessari per comprendere e tradurre testi semplici; dall’altro attraverso lo studio storico e critico della tradizione letteraria latina di età imperiale. Il corso guiderà inoltre studentesse e studenti a esporre in modo chiaro e ordinato i contenuti appresi, a usare un linguaggio appropriato e a sviluppare una prima capacità di giudizio sui testi e sulle loro interpretazioni.

1) Latin Literature componentAttending studentsP. Fedeli, E. Malaspina, L. Antonelli, Le parole di Roma. Storia della letteratura latina, Torino: UTET Università, 2023.Readings of individual authors and supplementary materials made available on the DIR platform, as an integral part of the exam programme according to the instructions provided in the Extended programme.Non-attending studentsP. Fedeli, E. Malaspina, L. Antonelli, Le parole di Roma. Storia della letteratura latina, Torino: UTET Università, 2023.Readings of individual authors and supplementary materials made available on the DIR platform, as an integral part of the exam programme according to the instructions provided in the Extended programme.F. Gasti, La letteratura tardolatina. Un profilo storico (secoli III-VII d.C.), Roma: Carocci, 2020.2) Latin Language componentM. P. Ciuffarella, A. Diotti, InGenio. Lezioni di latino 1-2, Milano: Edizioni Scolastiche Mondadori, 2021.Students are invited to obtain the language handbook in time for the first class of the Latin Language component.

The course aims to provide students with basic but solid knowledge of Latin language and culture through two integrated and inseparable components: a Latin Language component, devoted to the consolidation of morphology, the fundamental elements of syntax, and the translation of simple Latin prose texts, and a Latin Literature component, devoted to the historical development of Latin literature in the imperial age.The course is worth 6 ECTS credits and consists of a total of 70 hours of in-person teaching, divided between the Latin Language component and the Latin Literature component; the remaining workload required by the ECTS credits consists of individual study, grammar consolidation, preparation of translations, and study of the assigned texts and materials.Knowledge and understandingAt a basic level, the course aims to provide knowledge of the fundamental elements of Latin morphology, some essential elements of syntax, and the main tools for understanding Latin texts. For the Latin Literature component, it also aims to provide essential knowledge of the genres, issues, authors, and historical-cultural contexts of Latin literature in the imperial age.At an advanced level, the course aims to develop a more secure knowledge of Latin morphology, greater mastery of the fundamental elements of syntax, and initial awareness of issues concerning the interpretation and transmission of ancient texts. For the Latin Literature component, it aims to foster a more organic knowledge of the authors, genres, and issues of imperial Latin literature, with attention to their historical, cultural, and political context.Applying knowledge and understandingAt a basic level, the course aims to develop the ability to understand, analyse, and translate simple Latin prose texts with the aid of a dictionary, applying the morphological and syntactic knowledge acquired. It also aims to foster the ability to use historical-literary knowledge to understand Latin texts read in Italian translation and place them in their relevant context.At an advanced level, the course aims to consolidate the ability to translate simple passages by Latin authors in a more secure and coherent manner, recognizing the most relevant linguistic structures and producing a clear Italian translation. It also aims to develop the ability to connect texts, authors, genres, and contexts, applying literary knowledge to the interpretation of texts from a historical, historical-political, and teaching perspective.Making judgementsThe course aims to develop the ability to recognize the most significant elements of the legacy of Latin in the Italian language and in European literatures, formulating relevant observations on the relationship between language, texts, and cultural tradition.At an advanced level, it also aims to develop the ability to express more articulated judgements on texts and their critical interpretations, discussing their reasons and limits with particular attention to the historical and historical-political perspective.Communication skillsThe course aims to consolidate the ability to present the knowledge acquired on a given topic in an orderly, clear, and effective manner, using basic disciplinary terminology and organizing coherent, well-argued, and logically consequential reasoning.At an advanced level, it aims to foster more autonomous, precise, and articulated communication, with appropriate use of specific terminology and attention to the effective transmission of contents also from a teaching perspective.Learning skillsThe course aims to develop the ability to organize study in a coherent and progressive manner, particularly in the relationship between classes and individual work and between the Latin Language component and the Latin Literature component.At an advanced level, it aims to foster greater autonomy in study, in the preparation of translations, in the use of teaching materials, and in the personal reworking of linguistic and literary contents.

The course is conceived as the ideal continuation, at Master’s degree level, of the course “Introduction to Latin Literary Civilisation” included in the Bachelor’s degree programme. The course is therefore reserved exclusively for students who fall within one of the following categories:

a) possession of an upper secondary school diploma obtained in a programme in which Latin was not studied;

b) possession of an upper secondary school diploma obtained in a programme in which Latin was a curricular subject only during the first two years. Under the current school regulations, this condition refers to the liceo linguistico introduced by the reform of upper secondary schools, with a liceo linguistico diploma obtained from 2015 onwards;

c) possession of an upper secondary school diploma obtained more than 15 years before enrolment.

For the purposes of access to this course, the expression “Latin studied only during the first two years” refers exclusively to programmes in which Latin is not present, in any curricular form, during the final three years. Programmes in which, after two years of Latin grammar, Latin literary contents or other curricular subjects related to Latin were studied during the final three years do not fall within this category.

For students taking the course as a single course, the diploma seniority requirement is raised to 20 years, always calculated at the time of enrolment in the single course. The date on which the exam is taken is therefore not relevant. Students interested in enrolling as single-course students are invited to read the “Other information” section with particular attention, as it sets out the conditions, deadlines, and access procedures.

In addition to the requirements concerning the school background, the course may not be included by anyone who, regardless of the upper secondary school attended, the year of the diploma, and the status of regular student or single-course student, has already acquired at least 7 ECTS credits in the academic field L-FIL-LET/04 – Latin Language and Literature, now LATI-01/A – Latin Language and Literature, during the Bachelor’s degree or in another university programme.

For all students, verification of the requirements will require the submission of a copy of the upper secondary school diploma and, where relevant, of the previous university record.

Students who do not fall within the conditions indicated above must include Master’s-level Latin Literature in their study plan. No exceptions are allowed.

For further information on the policies adopted by the Latin chair regarding single courses, and for recurring doubts or questions, students are invited to consult the lecturer’s UPOBook page, in particular the “Dubbi e domande frequenti” section: https://upobook.uniupo.it/alice.borgna.

No formal prerequisites are required.

The course uses differentiated but integrated teaching methods, consistent with the two components of the course.

For the Latin Literature component, taught by Prof. Alice Borgna, lectures will be devoted to historical-literary contextualization, the presentation of the main authors and genres of Latin literature in the imperial age, the reading and commentary of texts in Italian translation, and the discussion of the main interpretative issues, with particular attention to the historical, cultural, and political context.

For the Latin Language component, taught by Dr Nadia Rosso, classes and exercises will be devoted to the consolidation of morphology, the fundamental elements of syntax, grammatical and logical analysis, text comprehension, and the guided translation of simple Latin prose texts. The exercises will be aimed at progressively strengthening students’ language skills and preparing them for the written test.

The course will use the Didattica in Rete (DIR) platform for sharing teaching materials, bibliographical references, texts, exercises, communications, and tools useful for individual study.

Tutoring activities will also be offered, both in person and online, including in the evening, in order to support the participation of non-attending students or students with work-life balance needs. Tutoring will provide support for grammar consolidation, translation, study organization, and preparation for the exam tests.

The different teaching activities aim to encourage progressively more active participation: recognition of linguistic structures, application of knowledge to translation, discussion of literary texts from the imperial age, ability to connect language, texts, and historical-cultural context, and development of an autonomous study method.

Disabilities, SLD and SEN. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and support tools by contacting the Staff for Student Careers and Services Development and Coordination and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa.After contacting the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLD or SEN may contact the lecturers responsible for the course in order to agree on teaching-related aspects and on any necessary adaptation of the examination procedures.

Assessment consists of a written test in Latin Language and a test in Latin Literature. Both components are necessary for the overall assessment of the course. The final grade is formulated as a unitary grade, taking into account the results of the two tests and the overall coherence of the preparation achieved: the written test in Latin Language contributes 60% of the final grade; the Latin Literature test contributes 40%. In order to pass the exam, students must obtain a passing grade in both components. The written test and the oral examination cannot be taken on the same exam date.Written test in Latin LanguageThe written test assesses knowledge of Latin morphology and of the fundamental elements of syntax, which account for 60% of the written-test grade, and the ability to translate a Latin prose text, which accounts for 40%.The written test lasts three hours in total and consists of two parts: a grammar test, without dictionary, lasting two hours, and a translation from Latin into Italian, with dictionary, lasting one hour. In order to pass the written test, students must obtain a passing grade, equal to at least 18/30, in both parts.The overall written test may be replaced by three in itinere tests, held during class hours. Students who have taken all three in itinere tests with an average grade of 18/30 or higher will be admitted directly to the Latin Literature test. Students who have taken all three in itinere tests with an average grade of 16/30 or higher and lower than 18/30 will not retake the written test, but will take, during the Latin Literature test, an additional grammar assessment, agreed with the lecturer, which must be passed with a sufficient grade.Only attending students may take the Latin Literature test before having passed the written test in Latin Language. Non-attending students must first pass the written test and then take the Latin Literature test.Latin Literature testThe Latin Literature test normally takes the form of an oral examination. Attending students may replace the oral examination with an in itinere written test in Latin Literature, held at the end of the Latin Literature classes. The Latin Literature test assesses essential knowledge of the genres, issues, authors, and historical development of Latin literature in the imperial age, as well as the ability to formulate judgements on interpretations of Latin literary texts read in Italian translation. This part accounts for 70% of the Latin Literature test grade.The test also assesses the ability to present the concepts and information learned in an orderly and clear manner, using appropriate language, avoiding rote memorization, and moving autonomously among the topics studied, also with a view to effective communication in an educational context. This part accounts for 30% of the Latin Literature test grade.Honours may be awarded in the case of particularly outstanding examinations, on the basis of the following criteria: a grade in the written Latin Language test, or an average grade in the in itinere Latin Language tests, of 28/30 or higher; full mastery of the language skills demonstrated in the assessment tests; ability to move critically within the literary panorama studied; particularly accurate use of language.Students are considered attending if they have taken part in at least 75% of the classes, both in the Latin Language component and in the Latin Literature component.Students are invited to consult the course page on the DIR platform, where examples of written tests and materials useful for preparation will be made available.

The extended programme is divided into two integrated and inseparable parts: Latin Language and Latin Literature. The two parts jointly contribute to preparation for the unitary exam and must both be prepared according to the instructions given below.1. Latin Literature componentThe Latin Literature component is devoted to the historical development of Latin literature in the imperial age, with attention to authors, literary genres, historical-cultural contexts, and the main interpretative issues. Texts will be addressed in Italian translation and placed within their historical, cultural, political, and communicative context.Integration of the gender dimension. The Latin Literature component will integrate the gender dimension through attention to the representation of female figures, models of male and female behaviour, family and social roles, the literary construction of authority, marginality, the body, speech, and power, and the ways in which Latin texts of the imperial age confirm, negotiate, or call into question norms, hierarchies, and expectations in Roman society.A. Attending studentsAttending students must prepare:lecture notes;the pages of the handbook relating to the following authors, according to the instructions made available on the DIR platform: Lucan, Seneca, Statius, Quintilian, Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger, Martial, Juvenal, Petronius, Apuleius, Tacitus, Suetonius, Ammianus Marcellinus, Rutilius Namatianus, Symmachus, Ausonius;readings of individual authors and supplementary materials made available on the DIR platform.B. Non-attending studentsNon-attending students must prepare:the pages of the handbook relating to the following authors, according to the instructions made available on the DIR platform: Lucan, Seneca, Statius, Quintilian, Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger, Martial, Juvenal, Petronius, Apuleius, Tacitus, Suetonius, Ammianus Marcellinus, Rutilius Namatianus, Symmachus, Ausonius;readings of individual authors and supplementary materials made available on the DIR platform;F. Gasti, La letteratura tardolatina. Un profilo storico (secoli III-VII d.C.), Roma: Carocci, 2020.2. Latin Language componentThe programme includes the following topics:subjunctive;imperative;infinitive;participle;gerund, gerundive, and supine;possum, prosum, and the other compounds of sum;deponent and semi-deponent verbs;fio and facio;double dative;comparatives and superlatives of adjectives and adverbs;demonstrative, interrogative, indefinite, and relative-indefinite pronouns and adjectives;final clause;volitive completive clause;infinitive clause;consecutive clause;circumstantial completive clause;concessive clause;active periphrastic conjugation;narrative cum clause;ablative absolute;independent conditional sentence;passive periphrastic conjugation;construction of videor;absolutely impersonal verbs;independent subjunctives.The study of these topics will be accompanied by exercises in grammatical and logical analysis, guided translation, and reflection on the most significant elements of the legacy of Latin in the Italian language, also from a teaching perspective.Students are invited to access the course page on the DIR platform regularly, where materials, study instructions, readings, exercises, and communications useful for exam preparation will be made available.

At the end of the course, students must demonstrate that they have achieved the following learning outcomes.Knowledge and understandingMinimum passing level: knowledge of the main structures of Latin morphology and of the fundamental elements of syntax, with the ability to recognize them in simple Latin prose texts. Knowledge, in broad outline, of the historical development of Latin literature in the imperial and late antique periods, and of the main authors, literary genres, and historical-cultural issues addressed during the course.Advanced level: more secure and organic knowledge of Latin morphology and syntax, with the ability to connect linguistic structures to the functioning of the text. Ability to orient themselves confidently in Latin literature of the imperial and late antique periods, placing authors, works, and genres in their historical, cultural, and political context.Applying knowledge and understandingMinimum passing level: ability to understand, analyse, and translate simple Latin prose texts, applying the morphological and syntactic knowledge acquired. Ability to use historical-literary knowledge to understand Latin texts read in Italian translation and place them in their historical, cultural, and communicative context.Advanced level: ability to understand, translate, and interpret simple Latin prose texts clearly and accurately, recognizing the relevant linguistic structures with greater autonomy and producing a coherent Italian translation. Ability to connect texts, authors, genres, and contexts, applying literary knowledge to interpretation from a historical, historical-political, and teaching perspective.Making judgementsMinimum passing level: ability to formulate simple but relevant observations on Latin texts, their critical interpretations, and the most significant elements of the legacy of Latin in the Italian language and in European literatures. Ability to recognize the reasons and limits of the main interpretations discussed during the course, avoiding mere rote memorization.Advanced level: ability to express articulated judgements on texts and interpretations, discussing their reasons and limits in an informed way, with particular attention to the historical and historical-political perspective. Ability to recognize, in Latin texts of the imperial and late antique periods, the construction of social roles, behavioural models, hierarchies, and gender representations.Communication skillsMinimum passing level: ability to present the concepts and information learned in an orderly and clear manner, using appropriate terminology and correctly distinguishing grammatical data, historical-literary contents, and interpretations of texts.Advanced level: ability to present the knowledge acquired clearly, autonomously, and in an articulated manner, using rich and appropriate language and moving confidently among language, texts, literary history, and interpretative issues. Attention to the effective communication of contents, also from a teaching perspective.Learning skillsMinimum passing level: ability to use the language handbook, the literature handbook, DIR materials, exercises, and assigned readings to organize individual study, consolidate grammar, and prepare for the exam tests.Advanced level: autonomous and progressive study skills, connecting grammar, translation, literary history, and textual analysis. Ability to recognize one’s own areas of difficulty, use materials and exercises effectively, and continue independently in the study of Latin language and culture.