LATIN PHILOLOGY

The course in Latin Philology SP., either as a standalone module (6 CFU) or as part of the Philology and Analysis of Latin Texts SP. course (12 CFU), is classified as a "Affine" within the study plan for the LM in Classics (Philology, Literature, and History curriculum, philological-linguistic field). Additionally, it is a "Core" course within the study plan for the LM in Philology, Linguistics, and Italian Literature (Medieval-Renaissance curriculum).
The course aims to enhance the philological knowledge acquired during the undergraduate programme by providing both a more structured and comprehensive overview of the discipline’s development and an in-depth analysis of selected authors and texts from a philological-critical perspective. Furthermore, it seeks to deepen students’ understanding of the history of textual criticism and to refine their proficiency in philological methods, concepts, and specialised terminology.
The examination also contributes 6 CFU towards the 24 CFU in s.s.d. LATI-01/A, which, under current legislation, is required for eligibility to apply for teaching positions in secondary education (see Further Information below).

The outcome of this course would be the detailed knowledge of a work or of a selection of Latin literary texts, and of their historical and interpretative problems in the framework of the contemporary scientific debate. Students should be able to read, understand, translate into Italian and comment on the historical-literary and philological point of view the texts read during the course, to discuss the interpretation proposed by the teacher and the bibliography, to contextualize authors and works studied during the course. Students should then be able to repeat the same type of analysis, applying the methods learned during the course, on any other Latin text.
Already equipped with linguistic skills at at least intermediate level, students should also acquire through the course a greater familiarity with the Latin literary language, a broader set of linguistic knowledge and a more confident ability in translation from Latin into Italian; at the same time, the study of the bibliography should refine the students' knowledge of the concepts and critical vocabulary of philology and literary history, and their ability to discuss literary topics and texts.

The Latin Philology examination requires at least an intermediate level of Latin language competence.
All students intending to take the examination, regardless of their previous academic background, must certify their linguistic proficiency through the following procedures:

1) Students enrolled in a Master's degree at Ca' Foscari from the 2025–2026 academic year onwards
For these students, access to the examination is conditional on passing the TEST associated with the Metrica e traduzione course (https://www.unive.it/data/insegnamento/582675 ).
As part of all advanced Latin examinations at Ca' Foscari, this preliminary test is designed to assess the minimum linguistic competence required for advanced Latin studies. The test result (expressed in a 30/30 scale) will contribute to the grade achieved in the first of the advanced Latin exams taken and passed, as described in the syllabus of each course.

2) Students enrolled in a Master's degree at Ca' Foscari up to the 2024–2025 academic year
For these students, certification of intermediate-level Latin competence remains compulsory and must be obtained by passing the Test di latino 2, which is linked to the Laboratorio di latino 2.
NB: for students enrolled up to the 2024–2025 academic year, the final test session under the previous arrangements will take place in January 2027. After this date, all students wishing to take the exam must follow the procedures outlined on this page.

The test can be taken on multiple dates throughout the academic year (further information available at this https://www.unive.it/data/insegnamento/582675 ). However, it is strongly recommended that students take the test in the earliest available session in September, before the start of the didactic period.
Students who do not pass the test will have the opportunity to attend the Metrica e traduzione course (https://www.unive.it/data/insegnamento/582675 ), which replaces the previous Laboratorio di latino 2. This course is designed to support the enhancement of students' language skills and is scheduled for the first semester.

NB: Course attendance is possible also for students who have not yet taken the test.

"Lost in Transition"
The title of this course evokes the phenomenon of textual dispersion experienced by ancient texts in the centuries following their composition, a process intrinsically linked to the manuscript tradition. As is well known, this mode of transmission often resulted in the complete loss of entire textual corpora, the drastic reduction in the number of circulating copies, or even the apparent disappearance of texts, some of which were later rediscovered and revived during the Humanist era.
The transitional period of Late Antiquity thus represents a particularly fascinating field of study for modern scholars, offering the opportunity to explore the protohistory of literary works, many of which survive only through manuscripts dating from the Carolingian period or later. This course aims to examine key aspects of this phenomenon through selected case studies.
Course Structure:
In the first part of the course (five lectures, first period), students will be introduced to the fundamental themes, challenges, methods, tools, periodisation, and lexicon of Latin philology, alongside an overview of its historical development. This introduction will be enriched by the analysis and commentary of digitised manuscripts, providing direct engagement with primary sources.
In the second part of the course (ten lectures, second period), the focus will shift to reconstructing the ‘protohistory’ of selected authors through case studies. In particular, the transmission history of Catullus, Virgil, and Apuleius will be examined. This reconstruction will involve the reading and analysis of various authors and texts, with a particular emphasis on Late Antiquity as a transitional period in textual history.
One of the lectures in the second period will feature a scientific seminar with an external guest speaker, providing further insights into the field. Additionally, substitute internship activities will be organised to explore the philological work of textual editors from a practical perspective. Further details regarding these activities will be provided during the course.

Bibliography
1) Texts and files discussed during classes (see Moodle).
2) L.D. Reynolds, N.G. Wilson, Copisti e filologi. La tradizione dei classici dall’antichità ai tempi moderni, ed. it. a cura di M. Ferrari, Roma-Padova 2013 (IV edizione italiana condotta sulla IV edizione inglese; edizione originale Oxford 1968).
3) Two papers, to be agreed with the teacher.

Home readings in original language (Latin)
1) Ovidio, Metamorfosi, libro I, a cura di A. Barchiesi, Milano, Lorenzo Valla, 2019 (2005)
OR
2) Apuleio, Metamorfosi, libro I, a cura di L. Graverini e L. Nicolini, Milano, Lorenzo Valla, 2019.

Learning is assessed through an individual oral examination. Studentes must demonstrate the ability to:
- Read, understand, translate into Italian, and comment on the philological and historical-literary aspects of one or two passages selected by the lecturer from the texts assigned for home reading in the original language. The examination includes a detailed analysis of the critical apparatus provided in the critical editions (as indicated in the syllabus). This means that, after translating the passage, students will be required to read, explain, and critically discuss the apparatus, commenting on the editorial choices made by the critical editor.
- Read, understand, translate into Italian, and comment on the philological and historical-literary aspects of one or two passages selected by the lecturer from the Latin texts presented during the course. Students will also be expected to engage with the critical apparatus corresponding to the passages under discussion and/or other philological data presented in the lectures.
- Engage in a discussion with the lecturer, demonstrating independent reasoning and precise academic language in relation to the given bibliography.
- Use the bibliography effectively as a tool for interpreting the texts and evaluating them from a philological and historical-literary perspective.

oral

The oral examination will assess the student's proficiency in translating selected passages from personal readings and class materials, as well as their ability to analyze critical apparatuses and present philological arguments with precision. A prerequisite for passing the exam is a demonstrated ability to translate Latin texts accurately. Additionally, the student's capacity for personal interpretation and critical discussion of issues addressed during lectures or encountered in individual study will be highly valued.​
Specific Evaluation Criteria:
- If the Latin Philology SP exam is the student's first master's-level Latin exam: The final grade will consider the result of the master's-level Latin test, graded on a 30-point scale, which must be passed prior to the exam session. ​
- Sufficient (18–22/30): The student can identify the morphological and syntactic structure of the text, albeit with some assistance from the instructor, and convey its overall meaning. They can read the critical apparatus with minimal commentary.​
- Good (23–26/30): The student independently identifies the morphological and syntactic structure of the text and provides a generally accurate translation. They can read the critical apparatus and offer appropriate commentary on editorial choices.​
- Excellent (27–30/30): The student autonomously discerns the morphological and syntactic structure of the text and delivers an accurate translation, accompanied by a comprehensive and informed commentary on the editorial decisions in relation to the literary characteristics of the text.​
- Outstanding (30/30 cum laude): The student independently identifies the morphological and syntactic structure of the text and provides an accurate translation, enriched with a thorough commentary and personal insights that consider the editor's choices and the literary features of the text.​

The course will be delivered through lectures, primarily focusing on the reading, translation, and philological and historical-linguistic commentary of a selection of Latin texts. In addition, related issues, critical bibliography, research tools, and methodologies will be examined.
Digital resources from leading international libraries will be also incorporated into the lectures. Students will be provided with key data for discussion and actively engaged in analysing specific problematic aspects. They will be encouraged to participate by commenting on the material presented and contributing to the discussion.

For further information https://www.unive.it/pag/26427/