Oriental Languages and Cultures

The monographic courses address issues related to the intellectual history of a world – that of Islam and the religious cultures that it has always included – that must be understood as a universe marked by the dynamics of majorities and minorities, having all the components of a common communication tool – Arabic, which is often also the translation language of external cultural traditions – and common categories of thought. The syllabus is made up of a primary corpus of texts (sources, in Arabic or provided in translation, or a monograph), and a secondary corpus of studies. Lessons will revolve around the reading and commentary of the sources, and the discussion of the interpretative proposals provided by the studies. Active participation of the audience is therefore expected, with which students can demonstrate their ability to establish connections and comparisons in light of their skills acquired during the course, or coming from other teachings of the Degree Course. During 2025-2026 the monographic course is entitled The meaning of the past. Historiography, (pre-)archaeology, fiction.

The only prerequisite is knowledge - even elementary - of the Arabic language. It is also desirable that students have taken exams in any other course related to SSD L-OR/10.

Before archaeology. The meaning of the past in the Islamic pre-modern thought (and after), edited by L. Capezzone, Roma, Artemide, 2020.

Attendance is not mandatory. However, it is an important evaluation criterion at the time of the exam. To aspire to the maximum grade, an attendance of at least 70% of the lessons is required. The teacher will record attendance randomly during the course.

The criteria for evaluating the knowledge acquired are in line with the expected learning outcomes. However, it should be added that attendance at the course, although not compulsory, is another criterion for positive evaluation, given the importance attached by the teacher to the active participation of the audience in the discussions that characterise the progress of the course.

The course bibliography is given as the course progresses, and is based on the in-depth studies requested directly by students.

The first part of the lessons is dedicated to illustrating the main themes of the course (learning new knowledge = traditional frontal teaching): the second part will have a strong seminar aspect, aimed at the in-depth study and discussion of the topics covered.

The monographic courses address issues related to the intellectual history of a world – that of Islam and the religious cultures that it has always included – that must be understood as a universe marked by the dynamics of majorities and minorities, having all the components of a common communication tool – Arabic, which is often also the translation language of external cultural traditions – and common categories of thought. The syllabus is made up of a primary corpus of texts (sources, in Arabic or provided in translation, or a monograph), and a secondary corpus of studies. Lessons will revolve around the reading and commentary of the sources, and the discussion of the interpretative proposals provided by the studies. Active participation of the audience is therefore expected, with which students can demonstrate their ability to establish connections and comparisons in light of their skills acquired during the course, or coming from other teachings of the Degree Course. During 2025-2026 the monographic course is entitled The meaning of the past. Historiography, (pre-)archaeology, fiction.

The only prerequisite is knowledge - even elementary - of the Arabic language. It is also desirable that students have taken exams in any other course related to SSD L-OR/10.

Before archaeology. The meaning of the past in the Islamic pre-modern thought (and after), edited by L. Capezzone, Roma, Artemide, 2020.

Attendance is not mandatory. However, it is an important evaluation criterion at the time of the exam. To aspire to the maximum grade, an attendance of at least 70% of the lessons is required. The teacher will record attendance randomly during the course.

The criteria for evaluating the knowledge acquired are in line with the expected learning outcomes. However, it should be added that attendance at the course, although not compulsory, is another criterion for positive evaluation, given the importance attached by the teacher to the active participation of the audience in the discussions that characterise the progress of the course.

The course bibliography is given as the course progresses, and is based on the in-depth studies requested directly by students.

The first part of the lessons is dedicated to illustrating the main themes of the course (learning new knowledge = traditional frontal teaching): the second part will have a strong seminar aspect, aimed at the in-depth study and discussion of the topics covered.