Classical Mythology
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer the student a general background on the contents of the discipline and a series of hermeneutic tools coming from different disciplines, but, in particular, based on the examination of literary, documentary and iconographic dossiers. It is also proposed to integrate its objectives with those identified by the degree course in Humanities, with particular attention to the antiquity course.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: the course will introduce students to the awareness of the different hermeneutic possibilities available to those who face the study of the classical myth and will also provide a series of investigative tools (including digital) useful to work on an ancient mythical tale.
Skills: students will acquire skills in reasoning and interpreting sources of different times, nature and complexity, also using visual language. They will also be able to understand and use the concepts of variation and variant and to appreciate the dynamic relationship between the local variant and the mythical pan-Hellenic (national) narrative.
Skills: students will acquire skills in reasoning and interpreting sources of different times, nature and complexity, also using visual language. They will also be able to understand and use the concepts of variation and variant and to appreciate the dynamic relationship between the local variant and the mythical pan-Hellenic (national) narrative.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course consists of three parts:
- The first will be devoted to the different methodologies of approaching ancient myth and the presentation of the tools of investigation (repertories, sources and their typology);
- The second, entitled "Journey to the World of the Dead", will be devoted to the heroes who travelled to and in the world of the Underworld, more specifically: Odysseus, Orpheus, Dionysus, Heracles and Theseus;
- The third is part of the interdisciplinary didactic project that has already been underway for a few years and is entitled 'The Afterlife: Myths and Contexts'. This segment of the course is characterised by integrated teaching by the chairs of Classical Mythology and Ancient Numismatics, Master's Degree (Prof. Alessandro Cavagna). Themes will be addressed here that intersect the analysis of mythical narratives with the reading of contexts and material culture (including Hades and its representation, Demeter, Kore-Persephone)
- The first will be devoted to the different methodologies of approaching ancient myth and the presentation of the tools of investigation (repertories, sources and their typology);
- The second, entitled "Journey to the World of the Dead", will be devoted to the heroes who travelled to and in the world of the Underworld, more specifically: Odysseus, Orpheus, Dionysus, Heracles and Theseus;
- The third is part of the interdisciplinary didactic project that has already been underway for a few years and is entitled 'The Afterlife: Myths and Contexts'. This segment of the course is characterised by integrated teaching by the chairs of Classical Mythology and Ancient Numismatics, Master's Degree (Prof. Alessandro Cavagna). Themes will be addressed here that intersect the analysis of mythical narratives with the reading of contexts and material culture (including Hades and its representation, Demeter, Kore-Persephone)
Prerequisites for admission
This course has not access requirements and is not restricted to students in classics. However, a good knowledge of Greek and Latin is certainly useful to take the exam.
Teaching methods
The teaching method is lecture based. This course has no formal entry requirements. However, attendance is highly recommended and a basic knowledge of Greek and Latin is of help.
Teaching Resources
Part A
Attending students
M. Bettini, Mito. Discorso autorevole o racconto screditato; J.-P. Vernant, Mito, Treccani
Non attending students
G. Kirk, La natura dei miti greci; J.-P. Vernant, Mito, Treccani
Part B
Attending students
T. Braccini, S. Romani, Passeggiata nell'Aldilà in compagnia degli antichi, Einaudi, Torino;
Dossier provided by the professor on Ariel/Teams
Non attending students
T. Braccini, S. Romani, Passeggiata nell'Aldilà in compagnia degli antichi, Einaudi, Torino; T. Braccini, L. Silvano, La nave di Caronte, Einaudi; P. Corrente, Dioniso e gli dèi morenti. Storia della morte e resurrezione divina nelle antiche mitologie mediterranee, Mimesis, pp. 125-264
Part C
Attending students
Dossier provided by the professor on Ariel/Teams
Non attending students
Aristofane Le Rane (in traduzione italiana); pseudo-Omero Inno a Demetra (in traduzione italiana); Omero Odissea XI; D. Fabiano, Senza Paradiso. Miti e credenze sull'Aldilà greco, Il Mulino
Attending students
M. Bettini, Mito. Discorso autorevole o racconto screditato; J.-P. Vernant, Mito, Treccani
Non attending students
G. Kirk, La natura dei miti greci; J.-P. Vernant, Mito, Treccani
Part B
Attending students
T. Braccini, S. Romani, Passeggiata nell'Aldilà in compagnia degli antichi, Einaudi, Torino;
Dossier provided by the professor on Ariel/Teams
Non attending students
T. Braccini, S. Romani, Passeggiata nell'Aldilà in compagnia degli antichi, Einaudi, Torino; T. Braccini, L. Silvano, La nave di Caronte, Einaudi; P. Corrente, Dioniso e gli dèi morenti. Storia della morte e resurrezione divina nelle antiche mitologie mediterranee, Mimesis, pp. 125-264
Part C
Attending students
Dossier provided by the professor on Ariel/Teams
Non attending students
Aristofane Le Rane (in traduzione italiana); pseudo-Omero Inno a Demetra (in traduzione italiana); Omero Odissea XI; D. Fabiano, Senza Paradiso. Miti e credenze sull'Aldilà greco, Il Mulino
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is exclusively oral, and the grading system is based on a 30 points scale (18 is the minimum passing grade). The oral assessment will test the knowledge both of the general topics presented in the first teaching unit and of the specific topics related to the other two units. The exam also aims at testing the ability both to discuss critically the topics studied and to use the appropriate discipline-specific vocabulary. Performance descriptors are: knowledge accuracy, ability to present critically a topic, speech organization, fluency and appropriate vocabulary.
National and international students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
National and international students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 10.30 (in person)
in person, cortile della legnaia, first floor (geography's section, first door on the left); on line via teams (scheduled only)