Languages, Cultures, Literature, Translation

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.

Basic knowledge of Latin grammar.

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.

Attendance is strongly recommended.

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.

The literary genres. Theatre and performance in Rome. Reading, translation, and commentary of Plautus’ Pseudolus.

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.

Basic knowledge of Latin grammar.

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.

Attendance is strongly recommended.

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.

The literary genres. Theatre and performance in Rome. Reading, translation, and commentary of Plautus’ Pseudolus.