LATIN LITERATURE

Course objectives

In consistency with the educational purposes of the whole teaching course, aim of the teaching unit is to give students a basic knowledge and comprehension skills in the field of LATIN LITERATURE, with the help of advanced textbooks. Moreover, it will make the student able to apply the acquired knowledge in an expert and reflective way, making autonomous judgments, communicating ideas, problems and reflections in a clear and correct way, and developing the knowledge required to go further in the studies. The course intends to provide a basic knowledge of Latin language (morphology and syntax);competences in translation of the examined texts from Latin; some skills in exegesis of Latin texts; knowledge of the main authors and works of Latin literature.

Channel 1
SALVATORE MONDA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course aims to provide a general introduction to the Latin language and literature through an in-depth study of the major literary genres in both diachronic and synchronic perspective, from the archaic period to the 2nd century AD. Particular attention will be given to the most significant aspects of Latin theatrical poetry. Students will be expected to acquire the essential tools for undertaking a literary analysis that also considers the linguistic and stylistic features of the texts. The monographic section will focus on the metrical reading, translation, and commentary of selected passages from Plautus’ Pseudolus.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Latin grammar.
Books
To be prepared in Latin: Plautus, Pseudolus. Reference edition: Plauto, Pseudolo, introduction by C. Questa, translation by M. Scàndola, Milan, BUR, 1983 and later reprints. The selection of verses will be communicated during the lessons. Reading the entire comedy in Italian is strongly recommended. Full reading, in Italian, of Virgil’s Aeneid. Any edition with parallel text may be used (for example, the translation by L. Canali for Oscar Mondadori, A. Fo for Einaudi, or R. Scarcia for BUR). Studies A. Cucchiarelli, F. Ursini, Studiare latino all’università, Rome, Carocci 2024. For the study of the history of Latin literature, any manual may be used. Recommended: P. Fedeli, E. Malaspina, L. Antonelli, Le parole di Roma. Storia della letteratura latina, Turin, UTET, 2023.
Frequency
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Exam mode
The final grade will be based on the following criteria: critical ability in describing authors, genres, and periods in the history of Latin literature (with particular regard to Virgilian epic and theatrical genres); knowledge of the fundamental structures of the Latin language; ability to read, translate, and comment on selected passages from Plautus’ Pseudolus; accuracy of information; and command of language.
Lesson mode
The literary genres. Theatre and performance in Rome. Reading, translation, and commentary of Plautus’ Pseudolus.
  • Lesson code1035824
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseArchaeological Sciences
  • CurriculumArcheologia preistorica, classica, medievale
  • Year2nd year
  • Duration12 months
  • SSDL-FIL-LET/04
  • CFU6