The aim of the course is the acquisition of knowledge of Greek literature, considered in its historical development, in its articulation in literary genres, against the background of economic and political evolution and in relation to the progressive transformations of the communication system; moreover, through the study and translation of a short text or a limited anthological selection of different texts in the original language, he will be able to acquire hermeneutical skills especially from the linguistic point of view but also fundamental historical-literary notions.
teacher profile teaching materials
The course is divided in two parts: (1) a sketch of the history of ancient Greek literature from the origins to the Roman age, with a survey of the main authors and genres; (2) a reading of Plato’s Ion, a text which offers a crucial standpoint on rhapsodic techniques in the fifth century BCE and their evaluation in contemporary intellectual circles.
Programme
Greek literature: a historical sketch. The rhapsode’s art in Plato’s Ion.The course is divided in two parts: (1) a sketch of the history of ancient Greek literature from the origins to the Roman age, with a survey of the main authors and genres; (2) a reading of Plato’s Ion, a text which offers a crucial standpoint on rhapsodic techniques in the fifth century BCE and their evaluation in contemporary intellectual circles.
Core Documentation
Students will integrate the subjects covered in the classes with a handbook of Greek literature (inclusive of a selection of key passages). Any edition of Plato’s Ion will do, provided that it includes the Greek text. Suggested reading: A. B. Lord, The Singer of Tales (Harvard University Press: Cambridge [MA]-London 1960)].Type of delivery of the course
The exam is oral. Students will answer a few questions on the subjects covered in the course.Type of evaluation
The exam is oral. Students will answer a few questions on the subjects covered in the course. Some questions (three or four) will concern the main authors and genres illustrated in the first part of the course; other questions (one or two) will focus more specifically on reading, translating and commenting on a passage of Plato’s Ion.