Classics

CHANNEL 1 A. Fundamental elements of Byzantine civilization. Periodization of Byzantine history and literature. The Greek language through the centuries: pronunciation and main morphological, syntactic and lexical features of medieval Greek. B. Reading with translation and philological commentary of selected passages from literary works of the Byzantine era. N.B.: the Channel 2 will be held during the second semester with Professor Francesca Potenza. Students enrolled in degree programs OTHER THAN "Lettere classiche" are advised to consult with Professor Potenza should they elect to pursue this channel (see Prerequisites).

The CHANNEL 1 is MANDATORY for students enrolled in the degree program "Lettere classiche". A rudimentary understanding of ancient Greek is a prerequisite for attendance at lessons. N.B.: the CHANNEL 2 is designated EXCLUSIVELY for students enrolled in degree programs OTHER THAN "Lettere classiche". This channel is intended for individuals who either have no knowledge of Greek or prefer to avoid reading texts in the original language.

CHANNEL 1 A. 1) C. Mango, La civiltà bizantina, Roma-Bari 1991, chapter XIII 'Literature'. 2) A manual of Byzantine history, encompassing the period between the foundation of Constantinople and the Latin conquest of 1204. [recommended: G. Ostrogorsky, Storia dell'impero bizantino, Torino 1968, chapters I- VI]. B. 3) The PDF handout containing the Greek text of the selected passages from literary works of the Byzantine era that will be presented in the lectures (see Prerequisites). N.B.: in regard to Channel 2, please consult Prof. Francesca Potenza.

Attendance at classes is STRONGLY recommended.

The extent to which the knowledge and skills acquired in class and through home study are aligned with the objectives of the course program will be assessed. Specifically, students will be evaluated based on their demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the course material, their ability to contextualize and provide commentary on the literary texts and sources read and analyzed in class, their familiarity with the topics covered in the textbooks listed in the "TEXTS" section, their ability to synthesize information, and their aptitude for presenting ideas. The minimum score required to pass the examination is 18/30. Scores below 18 will be considered insufficient.

Frontal/traditional teaching in the classroom with the support of MS PowerPoint slide projection.

The course aims to provide an overview of Byzantine history and civilization from the foundation of Constantinople (330 AD) to the city's conquest during the Fourth Crusade (1204), supported by a selection of primary sources (provided in Italian translation). At the same time, through the reading and analysis of literary texts (also in translation), the course will introduce students to Byzantine literature, offering a concise overview of the literary genres practiced during the Byzantine period. The texts selected for reading and commentary during the course have been chosen for their particular significance, also taking into account the academic background of the students for whom the course is intended. These readings may be supplemented or modified during the semester, based on students’ interests and class discussions. For a detailed description of the topics covered and the authors included, please refer to the “Program” section. Students who are unable to attend the course are kindly requested to contact Professor Francesca Potenza via e-mail (francesca.potenza@uniroma1.it) to arrange an individual study program. N.B.: The lectures of CHANNEL 1 will be held in the first semester by Professor Andrea Luzzi. Students enrolled the Classics (Lettere classiche) degree program must refer to him (see “Prerequisites”).

To attend CHANNEL 2, intended ONLY for students enrolled in degree programs OTHER THAN Classics (Lettere classiche), who have no prior knowledge of Ancient Greek or who prefer not to engage with texts in the original language, no specific prerequisites are required. NB: CHANNEL 1, which requires a rudimentary understanding of Ancient Greek, is MANDATORY for students enrolled in Classics (Lettere classiche).

1) A manual of Byzantine history covering the period from the foundation of Constantinople to the Latin conquest of 1204 (recommended: G. Ostrogorsky, Storia dell’impero bizantino, Torino 1968, chapters I–VI). 2) A. Cameron, I bizantini, Bologna 2008, Preface (“Bisanzio: un’assenza”), chapters I (“L’identità di Bisanzio”) and VIII (“Istruzione e cultura”). 3) C. Mango, La civiltà bizantina, Roma-Bari 1991, chapter V (“Il monachesimo”). 4) Digital (or printed) reproductions of Byzantine sources and literary works that will be read and analyzed during the course.

Attendance is strongly recommended. Students who are unable to attend the course are kindly requested to contact Professor Francesca Potenza via e-mail (francesca.potenza@uniroma1.it).

Assessment will focus on the knowledge and skills acquired during lectures and individual study, in relation to the topics outlined in the course schedule. In particular, students will be expected to demonstrate: knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course; the ability to contextualize and comment on the readings—both sources and literary texts—analyzed in class; knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the textbooks (see “Texts” section); the ability to summarize content effectively; clarity and coherence in oral expression. The minimum score required to pass the exam is 18/30. Scores below 18/30 will be considered insufficient.

Teaching will be conducted through traditional face-to-face lectures in the classroom, supported by PowerPoint slide presentations, which will be provided to students at the end of the course. The texts read and analyzed during the lectures will be distributed to students in printed format throughout the course.