Latin Basics

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
40
Overall hours
SSD
L-FIL-LET/04
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The classes aim: a) to enhance the students' linguistic skills (= level A2 of certificate of Latin: http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf); b) to improve their ability to approach and understand original Latin texts, through guided readings of meaningful passages of prose and poetry; c) to enable the students to appreciate the cultural complexity of Latin ancient and modern texts, to be used also as sources within the historical discourse.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the classes, students: a) will have a good knowledge of Latin grammar (both morphology and syntax); b) will translate and comment on the texts - both those read during the classes and those assigned as homework -, linking them to their socio-cultural context; c) will be able to approach original Latin texts, grasping their general meaning without relying on a dictionary. Furthermore, students will enrich their knowledge of the Italian language, especially of its lexicon.
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

A-L

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
In the two parts of the course (A, 20 hours, prof. Gioseffi + B, 20 hours, tba) texts derived from ancient historiographical sources and other texts of historical interest, written in Latin, will be read, discussed and culturally framed. They will form the basis on which to work inductively. The aim is to consolidate cultural and linguistic knowledge about the Roman world and the Latin lexicon transmitted to the Modern Age.
Prerequisites for admission
The course assumes a solid command of written and spoken Italian; it does not assume a solid knowledge of Latin or ancient history, but a general knowledge of both. Students who have already acquired ECTS in Latin are not admitted.
Teaching methods
Lectures; threads on the website; home working.
Teaching Resources
1) L. Graverini, M. Fucecchi, La lingua latina. Fondamenti di morfologia e sintassi, Le Monnier Università 2016.
2) P. Cesaretti, E. Minguzzi, Il dizionarietto di latino, Scholè 2019; or, if you have already studied Latin in high school, N. Gardini, Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo, Garzanti 2019.
3) T. Momigliano, Il latino con gioia, LED 2009.

The texts read in class will be published online.
Assessment methods and Criteria
A preliminary computer-based language test (closed and/or open-ended questions) is aimed to assess the ability to understand elementary Latin texts (A2 certification level). The test is mandatory and must be passed in order to access the oral examination. A few tests assigned in recent years are available online.

In the oral examination, texts read and commented in class, a list of significant words and a short anthology of Latin texts will be the topics of the questions (T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia," LED, Milan 2009). Grading in thirtieths; minimum grade: 18/30. Students already in possession of a language certification (A2, B1 or B2 level) and students who have passed the SLAM end-of-course test are exempt from the preliminary language test.

Students who have not attended class should refer to the materials (bibliography, threads, recordings, etc.) made available online.

Incoming international or Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the teachers.

Procedures for students with disabilities and/or SLDs should be arranged with the teachers, in consultation with the Faculty.
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor: Gioseffi Massimo

M-Z

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
In part A (20 hours, Prof. Ginelli) some linguistic topics will be dwelt upon, with a special concern with lexicon. In part B (20 hours, Prof. Passarella), Latin prose texts will be read, discussed, and culturally framed. They will be used as a basis on which to work inductively to consolidate the students' linguistic skills, and they will offer the starting point to enhance the knowledge of their cultural context.
Students who will not be able to attend classes in presence please contact the professor to integrate the program.
Prerequisites for admission
The course presupposes a good knowledge of the Italian language and a survey of the history and civilisation of ancient Rome. Students who have already acquired ECTS in Latin are NOT admitted.
Teaching methods
Lectures; forum threads (Wooclap platform); home exercises.
Teaching Resources
1) L. Graverini, M. Fucecchi, La lingua latina. Fondamenti di morfologia e sintassi, Le Monnier Università 2016.
2) P. Cesaretti, E. Minguzzi, Il dizionarietto di latino, Scholè 2019; OR: N. Gardini, Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo, Garzanti 2018.
3) T. Momigliano, Il latino con gioia, LED 2009.
The texts read in class will be published on the Ariel website
Assessment methods and Criteria
A preliminary computer-based language test (closed and/or open questions), aimed at assessing the ability to orient oneself in facing elementary Latin texts (units 1-15 of the handbook by Graverini-Fucecchi), is compulsory and must be passed in order to access the oral part of the exam. In the oral exam, students will be tested in their ability: to understand and explain the topics dealt with during classes; to read the texts contained in T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia" (LED, Milan 2009); to study some items of the 'Dizionarietto di latino' OR N. Gardini, Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo, Garzanti 2018.. Overall assessment in thirtieths; pass mark: 18/30.
Students who already have a language certificate and students who have passed the SLAM end-of-course test must inform the teacher and will be exonerated from the preliminary language test.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
To be agreed via email.
Online.