The class offers to students the basic principles for direct access to Greek sources, essential to an in-depth study of Greek Language and  Literature and the Classical Tradition. The course will also focus on some relevant aspects of Greek culture through reading of texts in original language, which will be accompanied by reflection on grammar, syntax and lexicon. The aim is to achieve a minimum degree of linguistic and cultural familiarity with classical texts and authors, so to allow direct reference to the sources and the interpretation of texts and images.

The course is articulated into two modules: the first, on the linguistic bases of Greek culture; the secondo, on the method and on the general features of Greek culture and mechanisms of the Classical tradition. Both the first and the second module will be carried out through lectures and exercises.

At least a basic knowledge of Greek language and culture is required as a prerequisite. At the beginning of the course, a series of exercises in Greek 0 are planned for students not coming from the Classical Lyceum, whose attendance is in any case recommended for those who recognise that they have insufficient knowledge

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is highly recommended; participation in the conferences that will be organised on topics relevant to the course is also recommended

Part I
Basics of Greek vocabulary and language (ECTS 3)

1) Euripides, Medea, vv. 214-409; 446-626; 1002-1080; 1271-1419.

2) Ps.-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca I 7,1-3 (Prometheus, Deucalion and his descendants); 9,16-28 (the Argonauts); II 4,12-5,12 (Hercules’ labours); Epit. 2,3-16; 3,21-22; 6,23-28 (the Atreidae).

 

Full reading of texts in translation. Analysis of specified verses related to the text in original language.

 

Part II

Lectures on methodology and case-studies (ECTS 6)
- Historical and critical reading of the literary and iconographic sources
- Classical Tradition and history

Part I (3 ECTS)

1) Any edition with facing Greek text. Recommended edition: Euripides, Medea, a cura di Maria Grazia Ciani, Marsilio, Venezia 2022)

 

2) Apollodoro, I miti greci, a cura di P. Scarpi, Milano, Fondazione Lorenzo Valla 1996, pp. 30-35, 60-83, 122-155, 320-27, 338-343, 390-397 (selected pages will be available on Studium.unict)

Part II (6 ECTS)

1)    M. Centanni, L’originale assente. Introduzione allo studio della tradizione classica, Ronzani Editore, Vicenza 2021², pp. 1- 439.

2)    5 essays chosen by the student on case-studies of the Classical tradition, taken from « La Rivista di Engramma » (pp. 50 ca.)

The assessment of the examination will take into account the candidate's mastery of the content and skills acquired, linguistic accuracy and lexical propriety, as well as his or her ability to argue.

– Definition of 'classical tradition'

– Orientation test in reading a passage from the Tragedy (Medeia) and a passage from the Bibliotheca by Apollodorus

– A case study that the candidate has found particularly interesting for the study of Greek culture and the classical tradition