13116 - Medieval Latin Literature

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students know the history of Medieval Latin literature and culture. They are able to analyze the texts belonging to the course readings, and to connect them with the historical period they belong to. Finally, they have a good command of tools and strategies allowing them to perform a philological analysis of the same selected texts.

Course contents

The course will consist of two main sections: in the first part, I will offer a general overview of the history of Medieval Latin literature and of its most representative literary genres.

In the second part of the course, I will offer an overview of the literary genre of Medieval fables, and read a selection of texts derived from the tradition of Phaedrus' tales. The selected texts will be read in Latin, and translated during classes.

Readings/Bibliography

As far as the first section of the course is concerned, the perusal of a good handbook of Medieval Latin literature is recommended, e.g.: C. Leonardi et al. (a cura di), Letteratura latina medievale (secoli VI-XV), un manuale, Firenze 2002; E. D’Angelo, La letteratura latina medievale: una storia per generi, Roma 2009; P. Chiesa, La letteratura latina del Medioevo, Roma 2017. Students are kindly requested to note that they should choose only one of the handbooks,  and that any of them will be accepted.

For the second section, the fundamental bibliography consists of following works: F. Bertini, Interpreti medievali di Fedro, Napoli, 1998; Lupus in fabula : Fedro e la favola latina tra antichità e Medioevo : studi offerti a Ferruccio Bertini, ed. C. Mordeglia, Bologna, 2014; C. Mordeglia, Fedro e dintorni, Bologna, 2017.

The Latin texts discussed during the first and the second section of the Course will be uploaded on the "Virtuale" platform provided by the University of Bologna. Further reading suggestions will be given during classes and uploaded on the "VIrtuale" platform, when that does not prove incompatible with the copyright regulations.

Non-attending students are requested to read, in addition to the other texts, following essay: C. Mordeglia, "Animali parlanti nelle favole di Fedro", in Animali parlanti: letteratura, teatro e canzoni, a cura di C. Mordeglia, Firenze, 2017, p. 43-68. Nonetheless, they are requested to contact Prof. Ventura in due time to receive instructions and useful suggestions in order to prepare the exam correctly.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and with the professor in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Teaching methods

Classes (30 hours). Classes will consists of introductory lessons given by Prof. Ventura, and of close discussions in which we will read, translate, comment and interpret the selected texts. Basic knowledge of Latin (grammar, syntax) is mandatory in order to attend classes.

Assessment methods

The exams will consists of an interview. Student will be examined in their skills to

- identify and describe the historical and typological development of Medieval latin literature, as well as the main steps and phases of its history;

- outline the main features of the literary genre of Medieval fables and tales;

- translate, comment, discuss the selected texts;

- if the student choose to select a specific topic, he/she should be able to provide an overview of the selected topic (author, text, cultural phenomenon etc.) in form of a short speech (25-30 minutes), without reading a previously written tex.

The final evaluation will consider these elements:

- insufficient qualification = lacking basic knowledge, scarce capacity to portrait cultural and historical phenomena

- sufficient qualification = average knowledge of the subject, but careless, inaccurate exposition lacking personal elaboration

- good qualification = general preparation of adequate level, ability to explain cultural and historical phenomena correctly and with logical coordination

- excellent qualification = outstanding knowledge of the subject, ability to analyze cultural and historical phenomena in depth and independently, excellent communication skills

Students who attend classes may choose between two different options: 1) take the oral exam, and answer questions put by Prof. Ventura; 2) select a topic connected with the Course content, and prepare an exposé they will present during the exam; if they chose this option, students must fix a subject in agreement with Prof. Ventura at least 30 days before the examination date.

Student who cannot attend classes are requested to contact Prof. Ventura in time, and fix an appointment for a meeting with her, in order to prepare themselves for the exam.

Students are requested to note that, in order to follow the Course, it is mandatory to have a sufficient command of Latin language (grammar, syntax). Students who wish to improve their basic knowledge of Latin are warmly invited to attend the online course of Introduction to Latin Language (Basic Latin; Exercises on Latin Morphology and Syntax; Virtual Classes on Basic Latin). This course is accessible on the online platform Virtuale. Prof. Ventura is happy to assist student for any further information.

Teaching tools

During the course, texts and further readings will by put at students' disposal via the "Virtuale" platform. Furthermore, a general overview of research tools related to Medieval literature (bibliographies, handbooks, dictionaries etc.) will be offered at the beginning of the cours.

Office hours

See the website of Iolanda Ventura