44133 - Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students know and are able to apply the main methodological tools for source analysis in order to interpreting the epigraphic sources of the Roman age. Students will be aware of the main heuristic and interpretative methods for the understanding of societies and institutions of the Roman world. Students will be able to use the critical edition of an epigraphic text, to independently analyze and contextualize documentary sources by verifying translations and in the original language, aware of the importance of media, preservation and transmission context. Students are able to use the main digital tools for cataloging, disseminating and preserving the epigraphic heritage.

Course contents

For the Module on Epigraphy (also equivalent with Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (1) course):

Characters and taxonomy of Latin inscriptions and main paper and online collections (seven lessons);

the onomastic system and its social and juridical value (two lessons);

Latin inscriptions as documents for the study of ancient society (four lessons);

practical exercises on reading and interpretation of inscriptions and use of the main epigraphic databases (one lesson);

visit to the lapidary collection of the Archaeological Civic Museum of Bologna with a direct approach to epigraphic documents (one lesson).

For the Module on Institutions (also equivalent with Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (Module 2) course):

Institutions of the Roman monarchy (one lesson);

the Republican institutional system: birth and evolution, main governing bodies, senatorial career (three lessons);

main forms of government adopted by Rome during the territorial conquest phases and provincial organization in the Roman Imperial Period (three lessons);

the Imperial institutional system: the creation of the Principate (two lessons);

the imperial titulature (two lessons);

the equestrian career, evolution of the senatorial and equestrian cursus, municipal careers (three lessons)

practical exercises on reading and interpreting inscriptions relevant to Roman institutions (one lesson).

 

In order to attend this course, a basic knowledge about Latin language is required. 

Non-attending students are invited to contact by email the Professor (manuela.mongardi2@unibo.it).

Readings/Bibliography

Module on Epigraphy

Lecture notes;

A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina. Nuova edizione accresciuta e rinnovata, Carocci Editore, Roma 2020.

The reading of S. Giorcelli, Epigrafia e storia di Roma. Nuova edizione, Carocci Editore, Roma 2019, Indroduction (pp. 15-67) is strongly recommended.

Module on Institutions

Lecture notes;

G. Poma, Le istituzioni politiche del mondo romano, il Mulino, Bologna 2009, Second Edition.

 

Students who will take the Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (1) exam (6 CFU) have to study the bibliography for the Module on Epigraphy.

Students who will take the Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (Module 2) exam (6 CFU) have to study the bibliography for the Module on Institutions.

 

Readings for non-attending students (12 CFU Exam):

A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina. Nuova edizione accresciuta e rinnovata, Carocci Editore, Roma 2020;

Chapters 5-7 from: S. Giorcelli, Epigrafia e storia di Roma. Nuova edizione, Carocci Editore, Roma 2019;

G. Poma, Le istituzioni politiche del mondo romano, il Mulino, Bologna 2009, Second Edition;

Chapters 4-5 from: S. Segenni, C. Letta, L'amministrazione romana. Stato e città in età repubblicana e imperiale, Carocci Editore, Roma 2023;

W. Eck, La riforma dei gruppi dirigenti. L’ordine senatorio e l’ordine equestre, in A. Momigliano, A. Schiavone (eds.), Storia di Roma II.1: I principi e il mondo, Einaudi, Torino 1991, pp. 73-118.

 

Readings for non-attending students (6CFU Exam in Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (1)):

A. Buonopane, Manuale di epigrafia latina. Nuova edizione accresciuta e rinnovata, Carocci Editore, Roma 2020;

Chapters 5-7 from: S. Giorcelli, Epigrafia e storia di Roma. Nuova edizione, Carocci Editore, Roma 2019.

 

Readings for non-attending students (6 CFU Exam in Roman Epigraphy and Institutions (Module 2):

G. Poma, Le istituzioni politiche del mondo romano, il Mulino, Bologna 2009, Second Edition;

Chapters 4-5 from: S. Segenni, C. Letta, L'amministrazione romana. Stato e città in età repubblicana e imperiale, Carocci Editore, Roma 2023;

W. Eck, La riforma dei gruppi dirigenti. L’ordine senatorio e l’ordine equestre, in A. Momigliano, A. Schiavone (eds.), Storia di Roma II.1: I principi e il mondo, Einaudi, Torino 1991, pp. 73-118.

 

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons;

practical exercises on reading and interpreting inscriptions;

visit to the lapidary collection of the Archaeological Civic Museum of Bologna with a direct approach to epigraphic documents.

Assessment methods

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

Assessment will be carried out through an oral exam. Students will have to answer questions (4 questions for the 12 CFU course, 3 questions for the 6 CFU course) relating to the recommended readings, as well as to the topics analysed and the epigraphic documents illustrated during the course.

The exam will assess the knowledge acquired and the critical and synthesis skills developed by the student, focusing on the recommended bibliography and the documents presented during the lessons.

Questions are aimed to assess if students can demonstrate: mastery of contents; capacity for synthesis, analysis and connection of topics and concepts; expressive and specific language skills.

 

Grading criteria:

Top marks will be awarded to students demonstrating an overall understanding of the topics discussed during the lessons, combined with a critical approach to the discipline and a confident and effective use of the appropriate terminology.

Fair marks will be awarded to students demonstrating a mnemonic knowledge of the subject, combined with a correct, but not always appropriate, command of the field-specific language.

Minimal knowledge of the bibliographical materials and/or use of inappropriate language will lead to a pass mark (or just above).

Inadequate knowledge, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographic materials will lead to fail the exam.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations will be displayed during classes.

All texts commented during the course and those provided to students for practical exercises will be available on https://virtuale.unibo.it/.

Office hours

See the website of Manuela Mongardi