90242 - Medieval Latin Literature (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students know the history of Medieval Latin literature, and, more specifically, the history of the Latin literature produced in Italy during the Middle Ages. They are able to analyze both content and language of some selected texts, as well. 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 focus upon the development of the "courtly literature" between the 12th and the 13th century. It will discuss a selection of literary texts, such as Walter Map's De nugis curialium or Gervase of Tilbury's Otia imperialia, as well as of philosophical and scientific writings, such as John of Salisbury's Policraticus, Gottfried of Viterbo's Pantheon, or the works written by Michael Scot (the Liber introductorius, the Arabic-Latin translations of Aristotle's De animalibus). Aim of the course is to deliver to students an overview of "courtly literature" stressing the role played by these cultural contexts as conveyors of knowledge and centers that foster intellectual progress during the last centuries of the Middle Ages. The readings will be selected with the aim to make students acquainted with the most representative authors and texts that crossed the paths of imperial and royal courts (such as the ones of Henry II, king of England, or the emperors Frederick I and Frederick II), and to present them a wide range of the literary genres diffused in those milieus.

Readings/Bibliography

Sources (selection): Walter Map, De nugis curialium, ed. M. R. James e C.N.L. Brooke, Oxford 2015 (first ed. 1983); Gervase of Tilbury, Otia Imperialia, ed. E. Bartoli, Pisa 2009; John of Salisbury, Policraticus, ed. K.S.B. Keats-Rohan, Turnhout 1993.

General Studies: C. Leonardi et al. (eds), 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.

Further Studies (selection): J. Bumke, Höfische Kultur: Literatur und Gesellschaft im Hohen Mittelalter, München 1986, 2 vol.; The World of John of Salisbury, ed. M. Wilks, Oxford 1984; Micrologus 16: I saperi nelle corti, Firenze 2008; F. Delle Donne, La porta del sapere : cultura alla corte di Federico 2. di Svevia, Roma 2019.

Students who cannot attend the course will read, together with the texts mentioned above, following essay: G. Sergi, "Le corti e il mecenatismo", in G. Cavallo et al. (eds), Lo spazio letterario del Medioevo 2: La circolazione del testo, Roma, 1994, p. 299-330. Nevertheless, they are requested to contact Prof. Ventura in order to receive further instructions concerning the preparation of the exam.

 

Teaching methods

Classes (30 hours). Classes will consist of introductory lessons given by Prof. Ventura and concerning each author we will focus upon, and of close discussions on the translation and interpretation of the selected texts.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an interview. Students will have to show their skills in

- reading, discussing, and commenting upon the authors we have dealt with, and the readings of the Course;

- understanding the main features of courtly literature, and of the literary genres that characterize it;

- recognizing and summarizing the specific features of each courtly cultural milieu we have been focusing upon.

The student's capacity to connect literary works and historical contexts will be particularly appreciated.

Teaching tools

All readings will be uploaded on the UniBo-platform IOL. Further bibliography will be provided during the Course.

Office hours

See the website of Iolanda Ventura