75651 - History and Culture in Papyri (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students can use papyri of Greek, Roman and Byzantine period for historical research in an accomplished and correct way. They can write an updated commentary to texts based on updated bibliography and citing parallels of the same historical value. They are familiar with the digital research on papyri and get a precise knowledge of the relations between the Egyptian evidences and the other sources of Ancient history.

Course contents

A good knowledge of Ancient Greek is required to attend the course.

After a brief introduction to the general aspects of papyrology—its main contents and methods—especially aimed at students who have not previously taken a papyrological course, the focus will shift to the culture and socio-economic and administrative organization of Greco-Roman and Byzantine Egypt. The course will cover the period from the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great to the end of byzantine rule following the Arab conquest.

The main historical events of each period will be briefly outlined, and essential aspects of culture, society, economy and administration will be explored through the direct reading of papyrological sources.

Readings/Bibliography

Students who have no previous experience with papyrology are strongly advised to consult the following introductory handbook:

• R. S. Bagnall (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Papyrology, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009.

  Students must read one of the following volumes:

• R. S. Bagnall,Reading Papyri, Writing Ancient History, 2nd edition, Routledge, London - New York 2020.
• P. Parsons, City of the Sharp-nosed Fish. Greek Lives in Roman Egypt, Weidenfeld and Nicolson 2007.

All texts read and discussed in class will be made available on the VIRTUALE platform.

Students unable to attend classes must agree with the professor on an alternative program. In addition to the readings and materials uploaded by the professor, they must prepare the following:

K. Vandorpe (ed.), A Companion to Greco-Roman and Late Antique Egypt, Wiley-Blackwell 2019, chapters 3; 8; 10; 11; 13; 16; 17; 19; 21; 26; 31; 36, and 37.

Teaching methods

Lessons will be delivered through traditional lectures and seminar-style sessions. Active participation is encouraged.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral. There are seven examination sessions scheduled throughout the academic year, held in February, March, April, May, July, September, and November.

Intermediate tests will be used to monitor progress and may contribute to the final evaluation.

To pass the exam, students must demonstrate the ability to accurately read, translate, and comment on selected texts, and show a sound knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the discipline.

• Excellent marks will be awarded to students who demonstrate a mature understanding of both the handbook and the texts, using them critically and accurately.
• Good marks will be awarded to students with solid knowledge and analysis skills, though relying more on memorization.
• Sufficient marks will be given for basic understanding, despite some errors or gaps.

Failure will result from serious deficiencies in knowledge of the literature or inability to analyze the texts.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be accompanied by PowerPoint presentations. Original papyri from the Bologna collections will also be studied. All course texts and materials will be available on the VIRTUALE platform.

Students with learning disorders or disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant university office as soon as possible:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

Requests for accommodations must be submitted at least 15 days before the exam date. The professor will evaluate the appropriateness of the proposed adjustments in light of the course objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Fabian Lothar Walter Reiter