85097 - Romance Linguistics (1) (LM)

Course contents

The course consists of a single 30 hours module, divided in two parts, corresponding to 6 credits.

Part 1. Introduction to romance linguistics

The first part of the course will provide basic notions about Romance linguistics, with a description of main features of Neo-Latin languages; special attention will be dedicated to the Italian area and to specifical elements which characterize Italian among other Romance languages. Romance languages will be introduced and analysed in a comparative and diachronic perspective, following their development since Vulgar Latin until modern era. Main phenomena concerning phonetics, morphology and syntax will be examined.

Part 2. The art of the translator in Romance Middle Ages

The second part of the course will focus on medieval translation into romance languages. Samples from ancient translations of latin texts (Vergil, Ovid, Seneca, scientific treaties) and from Italian translations of narrative French works will be examined. Lessons will point out lexical and morphological features, and translatological techniques as well.

The course does not require a previous knowledge of other Romance languages, except Italian. A basic knowledge of Latin can be useful. Frequency is strongly recommended.

Readings/Bibliography

For the first part of the course, it is required to study P. Gresti, Introduzione alla linguistica romanza, Bologna, Pàtron, 2016,with class notes.

For the second part, the teacher will provide, through the Virtuale platform, texts in pdf which will be analysed and commented during lessons. It is also required to study two essays (articles, book chapters) chosen by students from those listed by the professor.

Non-attending students

Non-attending students will study Gresti's book and some texts uploaded on Virtuale for attending students, and they will add 4 essays (articles, book chapters) chosen by students from those listed by the professor. They will also prepare linguistic analysis (focused on phonetic and morphosyntactic features) of 4 passages in at least 3 medieval romance languages to be agreed with the professor.

Non-attending students are invited to contact the teacher.

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 teacher in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Teaching methods

- Lectures and seminars;

- Philological reading and linguistic commentary of texts;

- Students can apply for specific bibliographies and specially set up laboratories. There will be the possibility of individual tutoring.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

The student must demonstrate, with correctness and linguistic properties, that he has studied all parts of the program.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the teacher, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Evaluation parameters:

• Insufficient vote: absence or strong lack of basic knowledge;
• Sufficient vote (18): possession of basic notions;
• Positive vote (from 19 to 25): possession of intermediate level of knowledge; sufficient capacity of connection between the different contents, essentially correct expression but with some imprecisions;
• More than positive vote (from 26 to 28): possessing good and articulated knowledge; correct language; discrete critical ability;
• Excellent vote (from 29 to 30L): possessing more than good knowledge; precision, maturity of expression and in-depth analysis; great autonomy in data re-elaboration and the ability to connect content. Honours will be given only to students who will demonstrate a complete and solid knowledge of the program, critical ability, autonomy and brilliant and organic exposure of acquired knowledge.

Teaching tools

Texts, documents, maps, images and video will be shared with students on the Virtuale platform and shown during lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Di Sabatino