39523 - History of Writing and Papyri (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students can read papyri of Greek, Roman and Byzantine period in an accomplished and correct way. They can write an updated commentary to texts based on updated bibliography and citing parallels. They are familiar and have a critical understanding with the digital research on papyri.

Course contents

1) Introduction: editing papyrus texts.

2) Types and categories of literary and documentary papyri.

3) Writing in papyri in and outside Egypt.

4) Reading papyri.

Readings/Bibliography

1) Texts and documents commented at class.
2) O. Montevecchi, La Papirologia, Milano, Vita e Pensiero, pp. 1-89 (Introduzione e Parte prima), 175-239 (Parte terza), 335-401 (Parte sesta).
3) G. Cavallo, La scrittura greca e latina dei papiri. Una introduzione, Pisa - Roma, Fabrizio Serra Editore, 2008.
4) H. Blanck, Il libro nel mondo antico, Bari, Edizioni Dedalo, 2008.

Important is The Oxford Handbook of Papyrology, edited by R.S. Bagnall, Oxford University Press, 2009, now in paperback.

Teaching methods

Students are invited to discuss and to take part in the lessons. A basic knowledge of ancient Greek is recommended, though all texts are always translated and shown in the original.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral. All students will be asked at least 3 questions: on general types of papyri, on the book chosen and on one of the texts commented at classes. The exam is passed if pupils answer correctly and in a proper way, reading, translating and commenting the texts and show knowledge the main features of the discipline. Outstanding knowledge of both the handbook and the texts is evaluated at the maximum; good knowledge and ability in the analysis of the texta, but more mnemonic can earn a good evaluation; a knowledge with some mistakes and misundertandings in the texts are sufficient to pass, serious lacunae in the knowledge of the handbook and no skills in the reading and interpretations of the texts do not allow to pass.

There are at least 7 possibilities per year to give the exam; the dates are published twice, normally in November for the first 5, and March-April for the last 2. All students must be listed on Almaesami and no students are allowed to give exams out of the public lists.

All students must be present at the call of the examination, normally at 9.30 of the examination day. No students are allowed to give exams out of the public lists.

Please check in advance if your administrative position is regular, otherwise you will not be admitted to the exam.

Teaching tools

All texts commented during the course will be available in the Department, and all texts will be shown in the critical edition and, when possible, on a digital image.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Geraci