Ateneo - UPO

The course, with a total duration of 70 hours, consists of two integrated and inseparable parts: a Latin Language component, taught by Dr Nadia Rosso for 50 hours, and a Latin Literature component, taught by Prof. Alice Borgna for 20 hours.The Latin Language component will be devoted to the study of the fundamental structures of Latin morphology and syntax, with particular attention to the comprehension, analysis, and translation of simple Latin prose texts. Work on the texts will allow students to consolidate their basic language skills and to reflect on the most significant elements of the legacy of Latin in the Italian language, also from a teaching perspective.The Latin Literature component will be devoted to the historical development of archaic and Republican Latin literature. The most significant authors, texts, and literary genres of the period will be examined, with attention to their historical-cultural context, historical-political perspective, and main interpretative issues. The course will also guide students to read literary texts not as isolated materials, but as evidence placed within a specific linguistic, cultural, historical, and communicative context.The two parts of the course jointly contribute to the development of basic competence in Latin language and literature: on the one hand, through the acquisition of the tools needed to understand and translate simple texts; on the other, through an introduction to the historical and critical study of the Latin literary tradition.

Compulsory texts for all studentsLatin Literature componentP. Fedeli, E. Malaspina, L. Antonelli, Le parole di Roma. Storia della letteratura latina, Torino: UTET, 2023.Latin Language componentM. P. Ciuffarella, A. Diotti, InGenio. Lezioni di latino 1-2, Milano: Edizioni Scolastiche Mondadori, 2021.Students are invited to obtain the grammar handbook in time for the first class of the Latin Language component.Additional text for non-attending studentsIn addition to the compulsory texts listed above, non-attending students must also prepare:Guglielmo Cavallo, Scrivere e leggere nella città antica, Roma: Carocci, 2019.

The course aims to provide students with basic but solid knowledge of Latin language and literature through two integrated and inseparable components: a Latin Language component, devoted to 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 from its origins to the Augustan age.For the Latin Language component, the course aims to consolidate students’ knowledge of the main morphological and syntactic structures of Latin, to show how they function within texts, and to provide the tools required for the comprehension and translation of simple prose passages. The course also aims to develop an initial awareness of the legacy of Latin in the Italian language, also in relation to the educational purposes of studying Latin for the teaching of Italian in secondary school.For the Latin Literature component, the course aims to provide essential knowledge of the main genres, authors, and issues of Latin literature from its origins to the Augustan age, with attention to their historical, cultural, and political context. Students will be guided to understand Latin literary texts, also in Italian translation, as evidence placed within specific historical, cultural, and communicative contexts.The course also aims to foster the ability to formulate judgements on texts and on their critical interpretations, discussing their reasons and limits with particular attention to the historical and historical-political perspective. A further objective is to promote orderly, clear, and autonomous presentation of the contents learned, with appropriate use of disciplinary terminology and without relying on simple rote memorization.Finally, the course aims to provide tools and methods useful for continuing independently in the study of Latin, in the translation of simple texts, and in the historical-literary analysis of Latin texts, also with a view to effective communication in educational contexts.The course consists of a total of 70 hours of in-person teaching: 50 hours devoted to the Latin Language component and 20 hours devoted to the Latin Literature component; the remaining workload consists of individual study, grammar consolidation, preparation of translations, and study of the assigned texts and materials.

Previous knowledge of Latin is not required. The course is reserved exclusively for students who meet one of the following conditions:

possession of an upper secondary school diploma obtained in a programme in which Latin was not studied;
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;
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 the case of second degrees, Master’s degrees, transfers, shortened degree paths, or previous university careers, the course may be included only by students who meet both of the following conditions: they must come from one of the types of upper secondary school listed above and, in addition, they must not have acquired any credits in their previous university career in the academic field L-FIL-LET/04 – Latin Language and Literature, now LATI-01/A – Latin Language and Literature.

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 study plan or previous university record.

Students who do not fall within the categories indicated above must include Latin Literature and Introduction to Greek Literary Civilisation in their study plan. No exceptions are allowed.

No formal prerequisites are required.

For recurring doubts and questions, students are also invited to refer to the “Dubbi e domande frequenti” section of the lecturer’s UPOBook page, which provides analytical answers to the most common questions: https://upobook.uniupo.it/alice.borgna.

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 from its origins to the Augustan 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 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 consolidating 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, and development of an autonomous study method.

Single courses. Any enrolment in this course as a single course must take place no later than 15 October 2026. Access as a single-course student is reserved exclusively for students who meet the requirements indicated in the “Prerequisites” section and who intend to attend classes regularly. Enrolment as a single-course student is not permitted for those who do not intend to attend. Likewise, single-course students who are simultaneously enrolled at other universities are not admitted.No enrolments as a single course are allowed after the indicated deadline. After that date, it will not be possible to acquire ECTS credits in this area through a single course with exams to be taken in later exam sessions, and no exceptions are provided.Students are also invited to consult the lecturer’s UPOBook page, in particular the “Dubbi e domande frequenti” section, which provides analytical answers to the most common questions: https://upobook.uniupo.it/alice.borgna.The objectives and contents of the course take into account the provisions of Ministerial Decree 616/2017 and its annexes for the purposes of possible recognition of the 24 CFU pre-concorso for Area D, “Teaching Methodologies and Technologies”, for the relevant teaching competition classes. Further information is available on the University page dedicated to teacher training.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 an oral examination in Latin Literature. The written test accounts for 60% of the final grade; the oral examination accounts for 40%. The written test and the oral examination cannot be taken on the same exam date.Written test in Latin Language. The written test assesses knowledge of Latin morphology with elements of syntax, which accounts for 60% of the written-test grade, and the ability to translate a Latin prose text, which accounts for 40% of the written-test grade.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 oral examination. Students who have taken all three in itinere tests with an average grade between 16/30 and 17/30 will not have to retake the written test, but will prepare an additional grammar assignment, agreed with the lecturer, directly for the oral examination.Only attending students may take the oral examination in Latin Literature before having passed the written test. Non-attending students must first pass the written test and then take the oral examination in Latin Literature.Oral examination in Latin Literature. The oral examination assesses essential knowledge of the genres, issues, authors, and historical development of Latin literature up to the Augustan age, as well as the ability to formulate judgements on interpretations of Latin literary texts read in Italian translation, with particular attention to the historical-political context. This part accounts for 70% of the oral-examination grade.The oral examination 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 oral-examination grade.Honours may be awarded in the case of particularly outstanding examinations, on the basis of the following criteria: a written-test grade, or average grade in the in itinere tests, of 28/30 or higher; constant commitment in completing the assigned exercises; 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.

The extended programme is divided into two integrated and inseparable parts: Latin Literature and Latin Language. 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 from its origins to the Augustan age, with attention to the main authors, literary genres, historical-cultural contexts, and interpretative issues. Literary texts will be addressed in Italian translation, with particular attention to their historical, cultural, and political-literary contextualization.The Latin Literature component will also integrate the gender dimension through attention to the representation of female figures, models of male and female behaviour, social and family roles, and the ways in which Latin texts construct, confirm, or call into question norms, hierarchies, and expectations in Roman society.A. Attending studentsAttending students must prepare:lecture notes;the following pages of the handbook indicated in the “Reference texts” section: pp. 3-13, 43-50, 61-73, 103-113, 151-322;readings of individual authors uploaded to the DIR platform.B. Non-attending studentsNon-attending students must prepare:pp. 3-322 of the handbook indicated in the “Reference texts” section;readings of individual authors uploaded to the DIR platform;Guglielmo Cavallo, Scrivere e leggere nella città antica, Roma: Carocci, 2019.2) Latin Language componentThe Latin Language component is common to attending and non-attending students. The units listed refer to the language handbook indicated in the “Reference texts” section and will be devoted to the progressive study of morphology, the fundamental elements of syntax, grammatical and logical analysis, and the translation of simple Latin prose texts.Unit 1: first declension; the verb “to be”; distinction between nominal predicate and verbal predicate; complements of place where and motion towards.Unit 2: present indicative active and passive; complements of agent, efficient cause, manner, and means.Unit 3: feminine adjectives of the first class; complements of motion from and motion through; coordinating conjunctions.Unit 4: imperfect indicative active and passive; complement of denomination; future simple indicative active and passive; complements of cause and purpose.Unit 5: second declension; peculiarities of complements of place.Unit 6: adjectives of the first class; possessive and pronominal adjectives.Unit 7: verbs in -io; imperative; complements of company, union, and topic.Unit 8: perfect indicative active and passive; perfect participle; complements of advantage and disadvantage.Unit 9: dative of possession; third declension, first and second group; complements of time.Unit 10: third declension, third group; peculiarities of the third declension.Unit 11: adjectives of the second class; present participle; adverbs.Unit 12: pluperfect and future perfect indicative; causal clause with the indicative.Unit 13: fourth declension; temporal clause with the indicative.Unit 14: fifth declension; double dative; indeclinable nouns and adjectives; complements of abundance and deprivation.Unit 15: future participle and active periphrastic conjugation.Unit 16: personal pronouns; complements of separation and origin.Unit 17: determinative and demonstrative pronouns and adjectives.Unit 18: relative pronouns and relative clause.

At the end of the course, students must demonstrate the following learning outcomes.Knowledge and understandingMinimum passing level: students know the basic structures of Latin morphology and essential elements of syntax and can recognize them in simple Latin prose texts. They also know, in broad outline, the historical development of Latin literature from its origins to the Augustan age, with its main authors, genres, and historical-cultural issues.Advanced level: students show a more secure and coherent knowledge of basic morphology and syntax and can relate linguistic structures to the functioning of the text. They can also orient themselves confidently in the history of Latin literature, placing authors, works, and genres in their historical-cultural context.Applying knowledge and understandingMinimum passing level: students can understand, analyse, and translate simple Latin prose texts at an elementary level, applying the morphological and syntactic knowledge acquired. They can also use basic historical-literary knowledge to understand Latin literary texts read in Italian translation and place them in their historical, cultural, and political context.Advanced level: students can understand, translate, and interpret simple Latin prose texts clearly and accurately, recognizing the most relevant linguistic structures with greater autonomy and producing a coherent Italian translation. They can connect texts, authors, genres, and contexts, applying literary knowledge to interpretation from a historical, historical-political, and teaching perspective.Making judgementsMinimum passing level: students can formulate simple but relevant observations on Latin texts, their critical interpretations, and the most significant elements of the legacy of Latin in Italian. They can recognize the reasons and limits of the main interpretations discussed during the course, avoiding mere rote memorization.Advanced level: students can 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. They also show a deeper understanding of the legacy of Latin in Italian and of its possible value from a teaching perspective.Communication skillsMinimum passing level: students can present the concepts and information learned in an orderly and clear manner, using appropriate terminology and distinguishing grammatical data, historical-literary contents, and interpretations of texts.Advanced level: students can 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. They also show attention to the effective communication of contents, including from a teaching perspective.Learning skillsMinimum passing level: students can use the language handbook, the literature handbook, DIR materials, exercises, and assigned readings to organize individual study, consolidate grammar, and prepare for the exam.Advanced level: students show autonomous and progressive study skills, connecting grammar, translation, literary history, and textual analysis. They can recognize their own areas of difficulty, use materials and exercises effectively, and continue independently in the study of Latin language and literature.These outcomes are consistent with the integrated structure of the course, which combines Latin Language and Latin Literature, and with the assessment methods provided.