32601 - Germanic Philology 2 (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

The student has in-depth knowledge of the history of early Germanic literatures, acquired through direct engagement with primary sources. He/she is able to analyse literary texts using a robust linguistic and philological methodology. He/she demonstrates advanced skills in comprehension and critical analysis of the distinctive features of early Germanic cultures, and is capable of developing complex analyses and formulating independent reflections on specific research topics.

Course contents

Praising Love: Reading and Translating the Minnesang

The course aims to introduce students to Minnesang - a form of medieval German lyric poetry primarily focused on the theme of love. After a historical and cultural overview, students will read and analyse original Middle High German texts. The poems will be read, translated, and subsequently discussed in class. The course offers students the opportunity to engage directly with medieval texts and to gain practice in translation. By the end of the course, students will be able to read texts in Middle High German with the aid of a dictionary, analyse them, and situate them within their historical and cultural context.

Readings/Bibliography

- Texts uploaded online on Virtuale.

- Wegere, K.P. / Schultz-Balluff, S. / Barts, N., Mittelhochdeutsch als fremde Sprache, Erich Schmidt Verlag, 2019.

Non-attending students have to contact Prof. Bertagnolli at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

The course will have a strong seminar-based format. From the very beginning, students will be divided into working groups and will begin translating texts in Middle High German. The teacher will guide and support the translation process throughout. Students are encouraged, when possible, to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone to class in order to access online dictionaries and other digital resources. Given the highly interactive and seminar-based nature of the course, regular attendance is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

The final examination will consist of a written test in which students will be required to translate a short passage in Middle High German, with the aid of a dictionary.

Teaching tools

Multimedial material (PPT presentations; online dictionaries).

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

Office hours

See the website of Davide Bertagnolli