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 be divided in two parts. In a first, general section, I will offer a general overview of the transformation of Latin language during the Middle Ages and of its connections with Classical Latin.

In a second section, I will deal more specifically with the relationship of Medieval Latin culture with classical literature. In particular, we will explore the use of classical works in schools and in the education of learned scholars, the strategies of commenting and glossing Ancient Latin texts, the mechanisms of imitation, as well as the types of transmission of Classical writings (with special reference to the literary genre of florilegia).

Readings/Bibliography

General Introduction: students may choose one of the following handbooks: 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 readings (selection): B. Munk Olsen, I classici nel canone scolastico altomedioevale, Spoleto 1991; B. Munk Olsen, La réception de la littérature classique au Moyen Age (9.-12. siècle), Copenhagen 1995; L.D. Reynolds - N.G. Wilson, Copisti e filologi. La tradizione dei classici dall'Antichità ai tempi moderni, Roma-Padova 2016; P. Chiesa, La trasmissione dei testi latini: storia e metodo critico, Roma 2019.

A selection of Latin texts will be discussed during the Course. The sections analyzed will be uploaded on the platform "Virtuale".

Students who cannot attend the course will read, together with the texts mentioned above, following essay: Jacqueline Hamesse, "Parafrasi, florilegi e compendi", in Lo spazio letterario del Medioevo. Il Medioevo latino. Vol. III: La ricezione del testo, ed. C. Leonardi, G. Cavallo, E. Menestò, Roma 1995, p. 197-220.

As a substitute to the Latin text discussed during the Course, not-attending students will read following Latin text (in Latin): Corrado di Hirsau, Dialogo sugli autori, a cura di R. Marchionni, Pisa 2008.

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 have two options; they may:

- prepare a short lecture on a text related to the topics discussed during the course and selected by them, and present it by using the further readings they will put together with the assistance of Prof. Ventura at least one month before the exam (this option is especially recommended to attending students);

- undergo an interview and answer the questions put by Prof. Ventura.

Whatever decision they will make, students should demonstrate that

-they are able to outline the characteristics and the stages of development of Medieval Latin literature;

- they are able to describe the elements of Latin language undergoing a relevant transformation from the Antiquity to the Middle Ages;

- they can shed light on the role played by classical texts in the education of learned scholars and writers during the Middle Ages.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Iolanda Ventura