Romance Philology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The learning objective of this course is to provide the students with a basic preparation in the historical-comparative study of Romance languages and literatures, starting from their medieval origins, through a direct review of medieval texts and their tradition.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student:
- will know the underlying principles of the discipline, especially regarding the linguistic and literary origins of medieval Romance world in his historical context;
- will learn to analyse in depth one or more literary texts, dealing with subjects as genres and critical methodologies for their interpretation;
- will learn the foundations of Romance languages' history and classification and learn to read literary texts in the context of their time and point out their linguistic features.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student:
- will become autonomous in translating the texts (if in a language different from Old Italian) or paraphrasing them (if in Old Italian);
- will be able to resource bibliographical information, critical essays and basic methodology of the teaching.
In their exam, the student will be asked to illustrate their competence in presenting clearly and correctly what they have learnt during the course.
At the end of the course the student:
- will know the underlying principles of the discipline, especially regarding the linguistic and literary origins of medieval Romance world in his historical context;
- will learn to analyse in depth one or more literary texts, dealing with subjects as genres and critical methodologies for their interpretation;
- will learn the foundations of Romance languages' history and classification and learn to read literary texts in the context of their time and point out their linguistic features.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student:
- will become autonomous in translating the texts (if in a language different from Old Italian) or paraphrasing them (if in Old Italian);
- will be able to resource bibliographical information, critical essays and basic methodology of the teaching.
In their exam, the student will be asked to illustrate their competence in presenting clearly and correctly what they have learnt during the course.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
A-H
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The following topics will be dealt with:
A. Introduction to Romance linguistics (20 hours, 3 ECTS).
B. Origins and development of Romance literatures (20 hours, 3 ECTS).
C. "Les oiseaux dans la charmille": the Lais of Laüstic and Yonec by Marie de France (20 hours, 3 ECTS).
The course is addressed to students whose surname begins with A-H, attending the first year of the Humanities Degree Course: it is compulsory for students of the "Modern Literatures" curriculum and it awards 9 ECTS credits; it is suggested among other disciplines for students of the "Sciences of Antiquity" curriculum and it awards 6 ECTS credits (parts A and B).
A. Introduction to Romance linguistics (20 hours, 3 ECTS).
B. Origins and development of Romance literatures (20 hours, 3 ECTS).
C. "Les oiseaux dans la charmille": the Lais of Laüstic and Yonec by Marie de France (20 hours, 3 ECTS).
The course is addressed to students whose surname begins with A-H, attending the first year of the Humanities Degree Course: it is compulsory for students of the "Modern Literatures" curriculum and it awards 9 ECTS credits; it is suggested among other disciplines for students of the "Sciences of Antiquity" curriculum and it awards 6 ECTS credits (parts A and B).
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
The course consists of 60 hours (for 9 ECTS) of lectures; texts analysis activity will also be carried out and cases studies will be discussed. The course relies on e-learning material, available on the Ariel 2.0 platform.
Attendance of this course is strongly recommended.
Attendance of this course is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
All students are required to study:
For part A:
- Personal class notes;
- P. G. Beltrami, La filologia romanza, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2017: in-depth study of pp. 19-22; 37-52; 63-73; 85-110; 133-196; 305-309, and informative reading of pp. 23-36; 75-81;
- Other learning materials will be available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the end of the course.
For part B:
- Personal class notes;
- M. L. Meneghetti, Le origini delle letterature medievali romanze, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 1997 (any edition or reprint): in-depth study of pp. 3-41; 53-80; 86-92; 125-233 (Note: the photographic figures section is a constitutive part of the program);
- P. G. Beltrami, La filologia romanza, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2017: in-depth study of pp. 199-266, and informative reading of pp. 53-61 and 267-301;
- A short anthology of Romance texts to be read carefully, will be available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the beginning of the course;
- Other learning materials will be available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the end of the course.
For part C:
- Personal class notes;
- A handout entitled "Les oiseaux dans la charmille (Birds in the bower)" containing an anthology of texts to be analysed and a list of critical essays to be studied in depth, available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the end of the course.
Warning for non-attending students
Non-attending students are required to get proper notes from their colleagues. Notes should be taken carefully and students should try to have a complete set of notes for each part of the course.
Further bibliography to be studied must be agreeded with the teacher at the student reception.
For part A:
- Personal class notes;
- P. G. Beltrami, La filologia romanza, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2017: in-depth study of pp. 19-22; 37-52; 63-73; 85-110; 133-196; 305-309, and informative reading of pp. 23-36; 75-81;
- Other learning materials will be available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the end of the course.
For part B:
- Personal class notes;
- M. L. Meneghetti, Le origini delle letterature medievali romanze, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 1997 (any edition or reprint): in-depth study of pp. 3-41; 53-80; 86-92; 125-233 (Note: the photographic figures section is a constitutive part of the program);
- P. G. Beltrami, La filologia romanza, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2017: in-depth study of pp. 199-266, and informative reading of pp. 53-61 and 267-301;
- A short anthology of Romance texts to be read carefully, will be available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the beginning of the course;
- Other learning materials will be available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the end of the course.
For part C:
- Personal class notes;
- A handout entitled "Les oiseaux dans la charmille (Birds in the bower)" containing an anthology of texts to be analysed and a list of critical essays to be studied in depth, available online on the Ariel 2.0 platform at the end of the course.
Warning for non-attending students
Non-attending students are required to get proper notes from their colleagues. Notes should be taken carefully and students should try to have a complete set of notes for each part of the course.
Further bibliography to be studied must be agreeded with the teacher at the student reception.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a single oral test, grading on a scale of 30.
However, it is possible to take an optional written pre-test, on the programme of Romance linguistics (part A), which consists of some open-ended questions. There are three exam sessions during the year (in May, in September or in January). If the student passes the written test, he will take only remaining parts of programme to the oral exam.
If the health emergency continues, the written test can be suspended.
The mark of the written test will be valid for a solar year. Students who have not passed the written test may attend the oral examination in the same session, taking the exam on all parts of the programme.
The oral examination will ascertain:
1) knowledge of the programme contents;
2) ability of critical thinking;
3) quality and efficacy of presentation;
4) competence in the use of discipline-specific terminology;
5) ability in translating (or paraphrasing, if in ancient Italian), commenting and contextualising a Medieval text.
The part of the exam dedicated to texts (Unit C) always starts with the reading and translation (or the paraphrase) of one or more passages. The ability to read and translate without the support of interlinear versions and/or personal notes is essential to pass the exam.
Non-attending students are invited to contact the teacher during office hours of by e-mail before beginning preparation for the exam.
International students or incoming Erasmus are promptly invited to contact the teacher of the course.
The exam mode for SLD students and/or for students with other disabilities will have to be agreed with the teacher in accordance with the Office in charge.
However, it is possible to take an optional written pre-test, on the programme of Romance linguistics (part A), which consists of some open-ended questions. There are three exam sessions during the year (in May, in September or in January). If the student passes the written test, he will take only remaining parts of programme to the oral exam.
If the health emergency continues, the written test can be suspended.
The mark of the written test will be valid for a solar year. Students who have not passed the written test may attend the oral examination in the same session, taking the exam on all parts of the programme.
The oral examination will ascertain:
1) knowledge of the programme contents;
2) ability of critical thinking;
3) quality and efficacy of presentation;
4) competence in the use of discipline-specific terminology;
5) ability in translating (or paraphrasing, if in ancient Italian), commenting and contextualising a Medieval text.
The part of the exam dedicated to texts (Unit C) always starts with the reading and translation (or the paraphrase) of one or more passages. The ability to read and translate without the support of interlinear versions and/or personal notes is essential to pass the exam.
Non-attending students are invited to contact the teacher during office hours of by e-mail before beginning preparation for the exam.
International students or incoming Erasmus are promptly invited to contact the teacher of the course.
The exam mode for SLD students and/or for students with other disabilities will have to be agreed with the teacher in accordance with the Office in charge.
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/09 - ROMANCE PHILOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/09 - ROMANCE PHILOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/09 - ROMANCE PHILOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
I-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Course title (60 hours and 9 ECTS): The poetic canon and women's voice: the Comtessa de Dia and the trobairitz.
A (20 hours and 3 ECTS): Introduction to Medieval Romance Literature
B (20 hours and 3 ECTS): Reading of Comtessa de Dia's chansos
C (20 hours and 3 ECTS): Elements of Romance Linguistics
The course is addressed to students of the Degree Course in Humanities, whose surname starts from I to Z that are studying the discipline for the first time: for students of the curriculum "Modern Literatures" it is obligatory and awards 9 ECTS; for students of the curriculum "Sciences of Antiquity" it is offered among other disciplines and awards 6 ECTS. The course is aimed also at students of Philosophical Sciences (Master Programme, LM 78) to whom it is offered as an option among other disciplines for 6 ECTS. For students of the Master's Programme in Philology, Literature and History of Antiquity (LM-15) that have not already taken a course in Romance philology, it is offered as an option among other disciplines for 6 ECTS.
The course programme will focus on the following topics: Part A will be a historical and literary introduction to the issues of Medieval Romance Literature and to the subject of the course; Part B will present the theme of the monographic course on Comtessa de Dia's chansos and the trobairitz; Part C will introduce some fundamental notions of Romance Linguistics. Offering the students an outline of Medieval Romance Literature, this year in particular the monographic programme will mainly look into the poems of Comtessa de Dia, and the topic of the trobairitz. How the trobairitz establish their identities in the conventional larger poetic system in which they participate? The cansos of the trobairitz can teach us about the way women poets find their place in a traditional poetic system created by male poets, and eventually reinvent troubadour lyric.Their songs and poetic fictions demonstrate with fascinating complexity the way they play with cultural, literary, and social definitions of man and woman, feminine and masculine. Of some passages and texts the translation but also an in-depth study will be provided.
Other Information for the students
1. Non-attending students are required to contact the Professor during office hours for further information regarding their exam.
International or Erasmus students are invited to contact the Professor of the course.
The examination mode for SLD students and/or students with other disabilities will be agreed upon with the Professor in accordance with the Office in charge.
2. Students of Degree Courses different from Humanities can substitute Unit C (Linguistics) with other studies agreed on with the Professor.
3. Students interested in writing a Thesis in Romance Philology (Three-year degree or Master Programme) are recommended to contact the Professor in time in order to define the subject of their work.
A (20 hours and 3 ECTS): Introduction to Medieval Romance Literature
B (20 hours and 3 ECTS): Reading of Comtessa de Dia's chansos
C (20 hours and 3 ECTS): Elements of Romance Linguistics
The course is addressed to students of the Degree Course in Humanities, whose surname starts from I to Z that are studying the discipline for the first time: for students of the curriculum "Modern Literatures" it is obligatory and awards 9 ECTS; for students of the curriculum "Sciences of Antiquity" it is offered among other disciplines and awards 6 ECTS. The course is aimed also at students of Philosophical Sciences (Master Programme, LM 78) to whom it is offered as an option among other disciplines for 6 ECTS. For students of the Master's Programme in Philology, Literature and History of Antiquity (LM-15) that have not already taken a course in Romance philology, it is offered as an option among other disciplines for 6 ECTS.
The course programme will focus on the following topics: Part A will be a historical and literary introduction to the issues of Medieval Romance Literature and to the subject of the course; Part B will present the theme of the monographic course on Comtessa de Dia's chansos and the trobairitz; Part C will introduce some fundamental notions of Romance Linguistics. Offering the students an outline of Medieval Romance Literature, this year in particular the monographic programme will mainly look into the poems of Comtessa de Dia, and the topic of the trobairitz. How the trobairitz establish their identities in the conventional larger poetic system in which they participate? The cansos of the trobairitz can teach us about the way women poets find their place in a traditional poetic system created by male poets, and eventually reinvent troubadour lyric.Their songs and poetic fictions demonstrate with fascinating complexity the way they play with cultural, literary, and social definitions of man and woman, feminine and masculine. Of some passages and texts the translation but also an in-depth study will be provided.
Other Information for the students
1. Non-attending students are required to contact the Professor during office hours for further information regarding their exam.
International or Erasmus students are invited to contact the Professor of the course.
The examination mode for SLD students and/or students with other disabilities will be agreed upon with the Professor in accordance with the Office in charge.
2. Students of Degree Courses different from Humanities can substitute Unit C (Linguistics) with other studies agreed on with the Professor.
3. Students interested in writing a Thesis in Romance Philology (Three-year degree or Master Programme) are recommended to contact the Professor in time in order to define the subject of their work.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
The course is offered in a lecture format. Attendance of the course is highly recommended. The teaching makes use of bibliographical materials such as critical editions, monographs, essays that will, in part, be uploaded on the MyAriel on-line platform.
Teaching Resources
Bibliographical information and exam programme for attending students:
A
- Notes of the course.
- Alberto Vàrvaro, Letterature romanze del Medioevo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1985 (Preliminari, pp. 9-82).
B
- Notes of the course.
- Texts: - the songs of Comtessa de Dia will be provided during the course. See also https://trobadors.iec.cat/
Please Note: At the end of the course a detailed list of verses and texts to be studied for the exam (reading, translation and commentary) as well as some other texts and studies will be provided.
C
- Charmaine Lee, Linguistica romanza, Roma, Carocci. To study pp. 15-69, to read the rest of the book, except pp. 93-96 and pp. 106-113.
Bibliographical information and exam programme for non-attending students:
A
- Alberto Vàrvaro, Letterature romanze del Medioevo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1985 (Preliminari, pp. 9-82).
B
- Texts: the songs of Comtessa de Dia will be provided during the course. See also https://trobadors.iec.cat/
Please Note: At the end of the course a detailed list of verses and texts to be studied for the exam (reading, translation and commentary) as well as some other texts and studies will be provided.
C
- Charmaine Lee, Linguistica romanza, Roma, Carocci. Pp. 15-69 to be studied, to read the rest of the book, except pp. 93-96 and pp. 106-113.
A
- Notes of the course.
- Alberto Vàrvaro, Letterature romanze del Medioevo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1985 (Preliminari, pp. 9-82).
B
- Notes of the course.
- Texts: - the songs of Comtessa de Dia will be provided during the course. See also https://trobadors.iec.cat/
Please Note: At the end of the course a detailed list of verses and texts to be studied for the exam (reading, translation and commentary) as well as some other texts and studies will be provided.
C
- Charmaine Lee, Linguistica romanza, Roma, Carocci. To study pp. 15-69, to read the rest of the book, except pp. 93-96 and pp. 106-113.
Bibliographical information and exam programme for non-attending students:
A
- Alberto Vàrvaro, Letterature romanze del Medioevo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1985 (Preliminari, pp. 9-82).
B
- Texts: the songs of Comtessa de Dia will be provided during the course. See also https://trobadors.iec.cat/
Please Note: At the end of the course a detailed list of verses and texts to be studied for the exam (reading, translation and commentary) as well as some other texts and studies will be provided.
C
- Charmaine Lee, Linguistica romanza, Roma, Carocci. Pp. 15-69 to be studied, to read the rest of the book, except pp. 93-96 and pp. 106-113.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment method is an oral exam in which students will present what they have learnt during the course, their knowledge of the texts, the bibliography and the basic methodology of the discipline. For Part C (Romance Linguistics) a facultative written exam is foreseen, which, if passed, replaces Part C in the oral exam. Marks will be out of 30. Such written test will take place in the months of May-June, September and January, and will be valid for one year; the written test is structured in three open-ended questions; students will be allowed three hours to complete this part. The score of the written exam for those who pass will be published on the MyAriel on-line platform, and will contribute to the final mark (on the basis of the average mark). Students who do not pass the written test can take Part C during the oral examination. Assessment criteria of the exams will include: the ability to organise clearly and correctly knowledge of texts and themes dealt with in the course and to show critical thinking; the quality and clarity of expression and the competence in the use of discipline-specific language; autonomy in paraphrasing or translating the texts and using the bibliographical information, the critical essays and the methods of the programme.
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/09 - ROMANCE PHILOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/09 - ROMANCE PHILOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/09 - ROMANCE PHILOLOGY AND LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
From June 1st to July 31st 2024, the student reception is by appointment only; please email [email protected].
Teacher’s Office, Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, sezione Modernistica - First floor