B0093 - Greek Language (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students possess the linguistic tools necessary to understand written sources in the Greek language; they acquire a first level of competence in the Greek language and literature. They are able to update and deepen knowledge and develop independent analysis perspectives on the basis of the most recent scientific debate and the collection of relevant bibliography.

Course contents

a) Original reading of Iliad VII: metrical reading is required.

b) Original reading of the oration Against the Sophists by Isocrates. Fundamentals of historical grammar with emphasis on morphology.

The course assumes an already complete knowledge of the linguistic structures of ancient Greek.

For students who do not possess such knowledge or for those who need additional linguistic support, we recommend taking the Ancient Greek literacy course.

Students with DSA or disabilities are advised to contact the responsible University office: any adaptations must be submitted, at least 15 days in advance, to the teacher, who will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the teaching objectives.

Readings/Bibliography

a) Lecture notes. For the critical text of Iliad VII use T.W. Allen, Homeri opera, I, Oxonii 1920.

For the Italian translation of Iliad VII use G. Cerri (intr. e trad.), A. Gostoli (comm.), Omero. Iliade, Milano 1996.

For the framing of Homeric poetry, read A. Ercolani, Homer. Introduzione allo studio dell'epica greca, Roma (Carocci) 2016 (on the Homeric question, F. Codino, Introduzione a Omero, Torino 1965, 23-47, I. Morris, The use and abuse of Homer, ‘ClAnt’ V/1 (1986) 81-138, G. Nagy, The Best of the Achaeans: Concepts of the Hero in Archaic Greek Poetry, Baltimore-London 1979, R. Di Donato, Esperienza di Omero, Pisa 1999 and L. Sbardella, Cucitori di canti: studi sulla tradizione epico-rapsodica greca e i suoi itinerari nel VI secolo a.C., Roma 2012, 5-63).

For the text and translation of Isocrates' Against the Sophists, see C. Ghirga, R. Romussi, Isocrate. Orazioni, Milano 1993 or M. Marzi, Isocrate. Opere, Torino1991.

b) For the fundamentals of historical grammar, use V. Garulli, C. Neri, Morfologia e storia del greco antico, Roma 2024 or P. Chantraine, Morphologie historique du grec, Paris 1961².

For the morphology and syntax of Greek, see C. Neri (et all.), Μέθοδος, Corso di lingua e cultura greca. Grammatica, Firenze 2018.

Teaching methods

In addition to the 30 hours of frontal teaching, there will be a few hours of seminar activities, dedicated to Isocrates' Sophists Contro: on Fridays, 1.00-3.00 p.m., in Room VI, Via Zamboni 38.

Assessment methods

The examination is oral and consists of an interview, in which the lecturer will ascertain the theoretical knowledge presented in class. In particular, the students will have to translate a passage from each of the ancient texts in the syllabus (for the Iliad, metrical reading is envisaged), contextualise it and identify the linguistic phenomena present in it, thus demonstrating knowledge of the structures of the Greek language and the ability to examine them in a historical perspective.

The maximum grade requires precise and complete answers: the assessment for theoretical knowledge and ability to translate and exegete the texts will be 30L; very good 30-29; very good 28-27; good 26-25; fair 24-22; more than sufficient 21-20; sufficient 19-18.

Students with DSA or disabilities are advised to contact the University office responsible: any adjustments must be submitted, at least 15 days in advance, to the lecturer, who will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, electronic whiteboard, shared electronic resources on the Virtual Platform.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Caciagli