Propertius and Latin Elegy (Ordinario)

Topic

Produced in Rome over a relatively short period of time and characterised by rigid assumptions and conventions, elegiac poetry stands out as one of the most problematic genres in Latin literature. Within the elegiac corpus, Propertius constitutes a voice of intense originality, both on an expressive and conceptual level. Starting from the analysis of some of Propertius' most consequential poems, the course, which is divided into two complementary modules, will outline the key methodological coordinates needed to tackle the main issues of erotic elegy and to frame them in the contemporary critical debate.

Structure and calendar

Unless otherwise specified, lessons will begin on Wednesday 6 November 2024

The first module (20 hours), will be completed by February 2025. The second module, mainly devoted to the discussion of seminar papers, will be held after the conclusion of the colloquia, normally scheduled in the second half of April.

A detailed programme of the texts and bibliography covered in each class, which will have to prepared in advance, will be made available before the beginning of the course.

Participation in class discussion is strongly encouraged.

Assessment

Seminar presentation.

The seminar paper will address a topic related to the course - usually the analysis of a section of text - agreed upon with the lecturer about two months in advance of the scheduled date.

Further details will be provided in class.

Preparation will be carried out in small groups, in order to encourage the seminar dimension of the course and to foster debate, with regular meetings both with the lecturer and with the PhD students responsible for supplementary teaching specifically related to this course (see the Programme section).

The approximate duration of the oral presentation is 30 minutes, followed by discussion.

A handout containing the texts to be discussed (with translation) and the relevant bibliography should be emailed to the lecturer at least one week before the seminar, and made available to the whole class on the Teams page at least 1-2 days before the seminar.

Visiting students are welcome to discuss alternative forms of examination with the lecturer.

Supplementary teaching

The course includes two distinct sections of supplementary teaching:

1) the first, Propedeutica, is aimed particularly at first year students, and is shared with the following subjects: Greek Philology (Prof. Beghini), Latin Philology (Prof. Berti) and Greek Literature (Prof. Battezzato). Its purpose is to prepare for attendance of the relevant courses by offering elements of philology, linguistics and metrics, and indications on the main research tools and methods in the field. This module will begin in the first week of October 2024 and will end in early November.

The course will be taught in Italian. Visiting students are warmly encouraged to attend.

2) the second section, held in the second part of the academic year, is specifically intended for this course, and will tutor students in the preparation of the seminar paper.