Ateneo - UPO

The integrated course offers a coordinated approach to Greek and Latin language and literature through the reading, translation, and interpretation of classical texts in the original language, considered within their respective literary, historical, and cultural contexts.

The Greek Literature, Advanced Course A module focuses on the reading of Menander’s Dyskolos. The text will be examined through linguistic, philological, and literary analysis, with particular attention to the characteristics of Greek comedy and to the interpretative and textual-critical issues raised by the work.

The Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module focuses on dreams in ancient Rome. Through the reading, translation, and commentary of Latin texts, students will examine different forms of dream experience and their literary, religious, medical, and political interpretations, with particular attention to the relationship between dreams, divination, scepticism, authority, and the construction of truth.

Taken together, the two modules consolidate advanced skills in the reading and interpretation of Greek and Latin texts and provide linguistic, philological, literary, and historical-cultural tools for the critical study of evidence from the ancient world.

A) Greek Literature, Advanced Course A

R. Kassel – St. Schröder, Poetae comici Graeci VI,1, Berlin, 2022.
E. W. Handley, The Dyskolos of Menander, London, 1965. ISBN 9781853991875.
O. Taplin, Comic Angels and Other Approaches to Greek Drama through Vase Paintings, Oxford, 1993. ISBN 9780198150008.

B) Latin Literature, Advanced Course B

Attending students

Lecture notes.
Dossier of Latin texts prepared by the lecturer and made available on the DIR platform during the first week of the course.
W. V. Harris, Due son le porte dei sogni. L’esperienza onirica nel mondo antico, Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2013.
T. Braccini, ed., Classico attuale. L’antico nella cultura contemporanea, Rome, Carocci, 2026.

Non-attending students

Dossier of Latin texts prepared by the lecturer and made available on the DIR platform during the first week of the course.
P. Cox Miller, Il sogno nella tarda antichità, Rome, Jouvence, 2003.
W. V. Harris, Due son le porte dei sogni. L’esperienza onirica nel mondo antico, Rome-Bari, Laterza, 2013.
T. Braccini, ed., Classico attuale. L’antico nella cultura contemporanea, Rome, Carocci, 2026.
B. Santorelli, Storia della lingua latina, Rome, Carocci, 2025.
A. Cucchiarelli – F. Ursini, Studiare latino all’università, Rome, Carocci, 2024.
M. Simonetti – E. Prinzivalli, Storia della letteratura cristiana antica, pp. 1–69, 181–264, 431–559 only. The relevant pages will be made available on the DIR platform.

Additional volume for attending students exempt from the written examination
M. P. Pieri, La didattica del latino. Perché e come studiare lingua e civiltà dei Romani. New edition, Rome, Carocci, 2025.

In line with the educational objectives of the Degree Programme, the integrated course aims to:

a) consolidate an advanced knowledge of Greek and Latin language and literature through the reading, translation, and analysis of texts in the original language, developing students’ ability to recognise their morphological and syntactic structures and to interpret them within their respective literary, historical, and cultural contexts;

b) deepen, in the Greek Literature, Advanced Course A module, knowledge of Menander’s Dyskolos and of the linguistic, philological, historical-literary, and interpretative issues raised by the text, while also providing the tools required to understand a critical edition;

c) deepen, in the Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module, the study of dreams in Roman culture, considered in their literary, religious, medical, and political dimensions and in their relationship with divination, scepticism, authority, and the construction of truth;

d) develop the ability to apply linguistic, philological, literary, and historical-cultural tools independently to the analysis of texts, to compare different interpretations, and to formulate reasoned judgements, presenting the results clearly and using appropriate disciplinary terminology;

e) foster informed reflection on the problems and methods involved in teaching Greek and Latin language and literature at upper-secondary-school level.

The two modules jointly contribute to the acquisition of advanced skills in the reading, translation, analysis, and interpretation of classical texts, through distinct but coordinated disciplinary perspectives.

The integrated course consists of two 6-CFU modules. The Greek Literature, Advanced Course A module comprises 30 hours of face-to-face teaching, while the Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module comprises 36 hours of face-to-face teaching. The remaining workload associated with the 12 CFU is devoted to independent learning, including individual study, preparation and translation of texts, analysis of course materials, and critical reworking of the topics covered in the two modules.

To benefit fully from the integrated course, students must meet the requirements of both modules.

For the Greek Literature, Advanced Course A module, an advanced knowledge of Ancient Greek is required, demonstrated by having passed at least two examinations in Greek Language and Literature during the Bachelor’s degree programme. Students are also expected to have a good command of Italian, basic knowledge of ancient history and the geography of the Mediterranean, and basic IT skills for web browsing and use of the materials available on the DIR platform.

For the Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module, previous knowledge of Latin language and literature is required. The module is intended for students who meet at least one of the following conditions:
a) having already taken modules or courses in Latin Literature during their Bachelor’s degree;
b) having attended an upper-secondary school where Latin was studied for five years;
c) having earned more than 7 CFU in the former L-FIL-LET/04 sector – Latin Language and Literature, now LATI-01/A.
No formal prerequisite courses are required.

The integrated course adopts differentiated but coordinated teaching methods, consistent with the intended learning outcomes and aimed at developing linguistic, philological, literary, and historical-cultural skills, as well as independent judgement, argumentative skills, and active participation.

In the Greek Literature, Advanced Course A module, lectures are devoted to the reading and linguistic, philological, and literary analysis of Menander’s Dyskolos, with attention also to the issues raised by the critical edition of the text. Classroom discussion accompanies textual analysis and encourages comparison between different interpretations, the formulation of reasoned observations, and the independent reworking of the topics addressed. Online teaching activities and materials made available on the DIR platform support individual study and further learning.

In the Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module, lectures provide the historical, literary, and cultural framework and are devoted to textual analysis and discussion of the main linguistic, philological, and interpretative issues. A significant part of the teaching activity is devoted to the reading, translation, and morphological and syntactic analysis of Latin texts, in order to consolidate language skills and develop students’ ability to apply them independently to textual interpretation. Discussion of different possible translations and interpretations also encourages the formulation of reasoned judgements and active participation.

In both modules, issues and methods relating to the teaching of Greek and Latin language and literature at upper-secondary-school level will also be addressed in connection with the respective course content.

The DIR platform is used to share texts, teaching materials, bibliographical guidance, and resources for independent study. In the Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module, a mock written examination and a mock oral examination are also provided within the tutoring activities. Tutoring also supports the consolidation of language skills, revision of key morphological and syntactic topics, and the organisation of individual study.

Teaching materials. Texts, supplementary materials, and information useful for the study of both modules will be made available on the University’s DIR e-learning platform.

Disabilities, SLDs and SEN. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request the specific services and support tools provided by the University by contacting the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti and consulting the dedicated University webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilit%C3%A0-e-dsa. After contacting the relevant University office, students may approach the lecturer responsible for the relevant module to discuss teaching arrangements and, where appropriate, adaptations to the assessment methods, in accordance with the guidance provided by the competent offices.

Single-course enrolment. Access to the course as a single-course student is subject to the conditions applying to single-course enrolment, set out in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the lecturer’s UPOBook page, which students are required to read carefully: https://upobook.uniupo.it/alice.borgna.

Assessment comprises three compulsory examinations relating to the two modules: an oral examination for Greek Literature, Advanced Course A, and a written and an oral examination for Latin Literature, Advanced Course B. All examinations must be passed, except in the cases of exemption from the Latin written examination specified below.

1. Greek Literature, Advanced Course A
The oral examination consists of three sections: a) correct translation and morphological and syntactic analysis of a passage from the texts on the syllabus, assessing Greek language skills (60%); b) contextualisation of the passage within the course topics, discussion of historical-literary and interpretative issues, and illustration of possible teaching applications (30%); c) explanation of the critical apparatus of the editions used, assessing philological knowledge (10%). Each section must reach at least a passing standard.

2. Latin Literature, Advanced Course B
The written examination accounts for 45% of the module assessment; it must be passed before the oral examination may be taken, and the written and oral examinations cannot be taken on the same exam date. It lasts two hours and consists of the translation, with a dictionary, of a Latin passage not studied in class but comparable in style, genre and period to the texts covered. A passing performance requires correct overall comprehension, recognition of the main morphosyntactic structures, and a clear and coherent Italian translation.

The oral examination accounts for 55% and includes translation and grammatical and syntactic analysis of the Latin texts on the syllabus (60%) and their literary, historical, philological and cultural contextualisation (40%), as well as one question on each essay or book included in the syllabus. Each component must reach at least a passing standard. Non-attending students and single-course students must also complete a compulsory section on Latin metre.

Regular attending students of Latin Literature, Advanced Course A or B who, from the 2021/2022 academic year onwards, have already passed the corresponding written examination with a mark of at least 24/30 are exempt from the written examination. In this case, the oral examination accounts for 100% of the module assessment and includes the additional book listed under Textbooks. The exemption does not apply to non-attending students or single-course students.

Taken together, the examinations assess knowledge and understanding of the languages, texts and their contexts; the ability to apply knowledge in translation and linguistic, philological and literary analysis; independent judgement in comparing interpretations; communication skills and appropriate use of disciplinary terminology; and the ability to rework knowledge independently and, where applicable, to reflect on its teaching.

A mark of 18–21/30 requires essential but accurate knowledge, an overall adequate translation, correct analysis and contextualisation, and comprehensible presentation. Marks of 22–26/30 indicate secure knowledge correctly applied; 27–29/30 indicate broad, independent and well-argued preparation; 30/30 requires full command of the subject matter, analytical precision, independent critical judgement and clarity of presentation. Honours (30 cum laude) additionally require particular intellectual maturity and the ability to rework the material independently.

The final mark for the integrated course is agreed collegially by the lecturers responsible for the two modules, on the basis of the overall achievement of the intended learning outcomes and the balance of the student’s preparation; it is not calculated as an arithmetic or weighted average of separate module marks.

Students must prepare using the texts, editions, textbooks and materials specified in the respective syllabi and, where applicable, available on the DIR platform.

The integrated course offers a coordinated approach to Greek and Latin language and literature through the reading, translation, and interpretation of texts in the original languages, considered from linguistic, philological, literary, historical, and cultural perspectives.

1. Greek Literature, Advanced Course A – Menander’s Dyskolos
The module focuses on the reading of Menander’s Dyskolos. The text will be analysed from linguistic, historical, philological, and literary perspectives, with particular attention to the morphological and syntactic structures of Ancient Greek, problems of textual interpretation, and the work’s place within the history of Greek comedy.
The reading of the play will be accompanied by examination of the main philological problems raised by the text and by the acquisition of the knowledge required to understand and use a critical edition and its apparatus with awareness. Attention will also be devoted to ways in which the linguistic, literary, and philological content covered in the course may be taught at upper-secondary-school level.

2. Latin Literature, Advanced Course B – Dreams in Ancient Rome
The module examines dreams as a literary, religious, medical, and political phenomenon in Roman culture. Through the reading, translation, and commentary of Latin texts, students will examine prophetic and symbolic dreams, apparitions of the dead, nightmares, erotic dreams, dreams of illness and healing, dreams of power, and dreams of death.
Particular attention will be devoted to the ways in which texts construct the boundary between truth, fiction, omen, symptom, and superstition, and to the different ancient interpretations of dream experience, from religious and divinatory readings to sceptical positions and rationalistic explanations. The relationship between dream narratives, authority, memory, and the construction of truth will also be examined, together with the literary and political uses of dreams.
Work on the texts includes reading, translation, morphological and syntactic analysis, literary interpretation, and historical, philological, and cultural contextualisation. Some issues relating to the teaching of Latin language and literature at upper-secondary-school level will also be addressed.

Integration of the gender dimension
In both modules, specific attention will be devoted to the representation of gender roles. In the Greek Literature, Advanced Course A module, the representation of women in Greek comedy will be examined, with particular reference to Menander. In the Latin Literature, Advanced Course B module, attention will be paid to the representation of dreams attributed to female figures and to the ways in which dream experience contributes to the literary construction of authority, vulnerability, desire, fear, and prophetic capacity in relation to gender.

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

Knowledge and understanding
Minimum level: students should know the main linguistic, literary, philological, and historical-cultural content addressed in the two modules; understand the morphological and syntactic structures required to read the Greek and Latin texts on the syllabus; know the main interpretative issues concerning Menander’s Dyskolos and the principal forms and interpretations of dreams in Roman culture.
Advanced level: students should possess in-depth knowledge of Greek and Latin language and literature and be able to relate linguistic and formal features, philological issues, historical-literary contexts, and critical interpretations of the texts.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Minimum level: students should be able to translate the Greek and Latin texts on the syllabus with overall accuracy, recognising their main morphosyntactic structures; analyse them and place them in their respective literary, historical, and cultural contexts; and, for the Greek module, understand the essential elements of a critical apparatus.
Advanced level: students should be able to translate and analyse texts accurately and independently, use philological and interpretative tools critically, compare different scholarly interpretations, and apply the knowledge acquired to textual and interpretative problems not directly addressed during the course.

Making judgements
Minimum level: students should be able to formulate relevant observations on the texts and their main interpretations, distinguishing linguistic, textual, and documentary evidence from critical evaluations.
Advanced level: students should be able to discuss independently the reasons, limits, and implications of different interpretations and formulate reasoned judgements on linguistic, philological, literary, and historical-cultural issues.

Communication skills
Minimum level: students should be able to present the knowledge acquired clearly and coherently, use disciplinary terminology correctly, and explain the main issues raised by the texts in a comprehensible manner.
Advanced level: students should be able to present and discuss analyses and interpretations independently, accurately, and argumentatively, adapting their presentation, where required, to the teaching of linguistic, literary, and philological content at upper-secondary-school level.

Learning skills
Minimum level: students should be able to use texts, critical editions, bibliography, and materials available on the DIR platform appropriately in order to organise their study and prepare for the examinations.
Advanced level: students should be able to investigate linguistic, philological, literary, and historical-cultural issues independently, integrate different sources and tools, and apply the methods acquired to the analysis of texts and questions not specifically addressed during the course.