Objectives

The Programme is aimed at an international audience with little or no formal education in Classics.
It provides students with intensive training in these subjects, with a particular focus on the Greek and Latin languages.
The Programme aims to produce graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the ancient world. Particular focus is given to the languages and literatures of Greece and Rome, ancient history, classical archaeology, and the legacy of the Classics in medieval, modern and contemporary cultures. Teaching takes a broad view of the classical world, examining its cultural, anthropological,
and reception aspects in detail. Students also have the opportunity to make the most of the Programme’s location in Rome through field trips, museum visits and library workshops.
Compared to an Italian-taught degree programme, providing this training in English gives graduates greater opportunities to continue their university studies or embark on an international career.
Acquiring specific skills, including English language communication skills, alongside a cross-disciplinary education that enables students to explore the various aspects of the classical world with awareness and confidence, analyse complex phenomena and enhance their professional profile, results in the development of professionals who are qualified to work in an international context within fields such as knowledge and cultural dissemination (e.g. publishing, journalism and the protection and promotion of cultural heritage), and more broadly in sectors that require cultural awareness, analytical and synthesis skills, and the ability to devise original and creative solutions.
The aim is to provide cultural experts with flexible training that allows them to integrate effectively into a variety of professional contexts. Graduates will be able to:
- acquire a knowledge of and understanding of Greek and Latin grammar, progressing to a level that enables comprehension of complex literary texts;
- understand the processes of formation, tradition and innovation in the fields of ancient history, archaeology, classical art history and ancient thought;
- recognise, analyse and enhance the presence of the Classics in modern European literature and contemporary culture;
- study the history of genres, motifs and themes in ancient literature, considering how they compare with those found in medieval literature, modern European literature and contemporary culture;
- understand and explore the phenomena and dynamics of ancient history by studying the
relationships between texts, other media and codes, and establishing effective links with medieval history, modern European literature and contemporary culture;
- master the various methods of interpreting texts and historical, social and cultural phenomena;
- apply the philological method (textual criticism, history of tradition and history of classical
languages) to the interpretation of literary texts, as well as the method of historical reconstruction with the aid of complementary disciplines such as archaeology, paleography and the history of
philosophy;
- communicate in complex written and spoken English, demonstrating strong analytical, synthesis and argumentation skills;
- master the Italian language to enable basic written and oral communication;
- use IT and telecommunications tools effectively and purposefully.
The Programme offers students the following:
- In the first year, students are introduced to the classical languages, Greek and Latin, through a series of introductory modules.
- In the second year, core modules in the classical field are specifically aimed at deepening
knowledge of Greek and Latin literature and the history of the ancient world, alongside other educational activities;
- In the third year, students take core modules in classical studies and related disciplines, as well as electives. These modules are designed to expand students’ knowledge of the classical world beyond history and literature to include subjects such as archaeology, art history, and the history of thought.
Students also explore the legacy of classical civilisations in medieval, modern, and contemporary European culture. The Programme concludes with a final written essay.
Learning is achieved through the most up-to-date theories, methodologies and techniques for approaching all kinds of texts and testimonies. These include papyri, inscriptions, manuscripts, iconographic material, archaeological finds and monuments. All available IT tools are used to aid this process. Students may also engage with visiting professors or international guests as part of seminar series.
The Programme’s Teaching Regulations will define the percentage of total available time that students can use for personal study or other individual learning activities, within regulatory limits.