Cultures and Religions

How to create a saint. The long story of Agnes, or rather, a story for many stories. After an introduction on the modern orientations of hagiographic research, the course will retrace the long history of Agnes, a small Roman martyr. The only thing that is known for certain about her is that she really existed. Over time, however, an increasingly complex narrative will stratify around her character, expressed periodically in writings, images, monuments and various works of art. Thus, the character of Agnes becomes a prism that absorbs and refracts the many stories it encounters, bearing witness to ever-changing cultural frameworks. The course will illustrate the theme by drawing on ancient literary and material evidence (archaeological, iconographic, epigraphic, etc.). Visits relevant to the topics covered will be made.

Good language skills, the ability to understand written texts, and critical comparison with sources are required, as well as general knowledge of the indicated historical-religious context.

1. Lecture slides (available on classroom at the end of the course) 2. E. ZOCCA, (Ri-)Scrivere di Santi: sulle tracce di Agnese, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 261-284 2. S. BOESCH GAJANO, Il culto dei santi: antiche e nuove consonanze disciplinari, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 15-27

Attendance is highly recommended but not mandatory.

The assessment of the student's performance will take into account the clarity of presentation, accuracy and relevance of content, and correctness of expression. The oral examination is intended to ascertain whether the expected skills have been trained to the level required by the learning outcomes and whether the bibliography indicated has been adequately studied and understood.

Lectures, workshops, seminars, visits

How to create a saint. The long story of Agnes, or rather, a story for many stories. After an introduction on the modern orientations of hagiographic research, the course will retrace the long history of Agnes, a small Roman martyr. The only thing that is known for certain about her is that she really existed. Over time, however, an increasingly complex narrative will stratify around her character, expressed periodically in writings, images, monuments and various works of art. Thus, the character of Agnes becomes a prism that absorbs and refracts the many stories it encounters, bearing witness to ever-changing cultural frameworks. The course will illustrate the theme by drawing on ancient literary and material evidence (archaeological, iconographic, epigraphic, etc.). Visits relevant to the topics covered will be made.

Good language skills, the ability to understand written texts, and critical comparison with sources are required, as well as general knowledge of the indicated historical-religious context.

1. Lecture slides (available on classroom at the end of the course) 2. E. ZOCCA, (Ri-)Scrivere di Santi: sulle tracce di Agnese, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 261-284 2. S. BOESCH GAJANO, Il culto dei santi: antiche e nuove consonanze disciplinari, in L. Arcari (ed.), Acri Sanctorum Investigatori. Miscellanea di studi in memoria di Gennaro Luongo, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, pp. 15-27

Attendance is highly recommended but not mandatory.

The assessment of the student's performance will take into account the clarity of presentation, accuracy and relevance of content, and correctness of expression. The oral examination is intended to ascertain whether the expected skills have been trained to the level required by the learning outcomes and whether the bibliography indicated has been adequately studied and understood.

Lectures, workshops, seminars, visits