Course program
The first part of the course will consist of a general introduction to the theme of the symbolism of clothing as a transversal and fundamental cultural phenomenon of human action. In particular, the dimension of cloth and clothing will be explored as a symbolic system, capable of producing peculiar signs that stand alongside the other signs and symbols proper to a given cultural system. There will be no lack of nods to a more eminently anthropological perspective.
The second part will focus on the symbology of clothing proper to ancient Rome, also with a comparative and gender dimension. The cultural relevance and history of this peculiar system of signs will be explored, both in reference to everyday life and in more circumscribed contexts, such as war and politics. Finally, special attention will be paid to the symbolism of clothing in the religious sphere (priests, rites, deities). The course also includes the participation of external experts who will report on particular aspects of the topics addressed.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites necessary to attend the course.
Books
The examination texts are as follows:
1) A. Saggioro, "Simbologia del vestire", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 0).
2) F. Remotti, "Fare umanità. I drammi dell'antropo-poiesi", Roma-Bari, Laterza 2013.
3) One to choose from: a) F. R. Nocchi, "Roma antica/1/Abiti nuziali", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 5); b) G. De Sanctis, A. Maiuri, D. Segarra Crespo, "Roma antica/2/Costumi tradizionali", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 6); c) A. Maiuri, "Roma antica/3/Paramenti sacri", Roma, Edizioni Nuova Cultura 2007 (Quaderni di simbologia del vestire - 7).
4) A fourth text will be indicated here as soon as possible.
Frequency
Attendance is optional but highly recommended for the achievement of the training objectives of the course. Possible workshop activities may only be carried out by those attending; participation in and completion of these activities will form an integral part of the final assessment, as will preparation on the topics covered in depth in the lessons (20%).
Exam mode
Questions on topics covered during the course and reference texts. The examination will focus in particular on the knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues addressed, the ability to apply the skills acquired to specific fields of interest and to relate what has been learnt to other SSDs. Depending on the turnout, complementary or alternative evaluation methods may be envisaged, also in written form.
Lesson mode
The mode of delivery of this course is fundamentally frontal, with the occasional possibility of adopting the (flipped classroom) mode, i.e. with readings to be discussed in class. At the end of the course, participants are expected to do group work on dress symbology topics assigned by the lecturer, which will make up 20% of the final grade.
