LATIN PHILOLOGY

The course in Latin Philology SP., is part of the study plan for the LM in Classics and of the LM in Philology, Linguistics, and Italian Literature.
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).

This course develops knowledge of the transmission history of selected Latin texts and their study in the original language from a historical-philological perspective. It equips students to read, understand, translate, and critically comment on these texts; to produce independent philological analyses; to discuss their textual history and reliability; and to use key scholarly tools such as critical editions and digital resources.

As previously specified, the Latin Philology examination contributes to the acquisition of the qualifying CFUs necessary for access to teaching positions in secondary schools. Consequently, it requires at least intermediate-level Latin language competence. ALL students wishing to take the examination, regardless of their previous academic background, must certify their linguistic proficiency in one of the following ways:

1) For students enrolled from the 2025–2026 academic year onwards:
Access to the examination is contingent upon passing the LATIN TEST (MASTER’S LEVEL). To register for this test, students should consult the list associated with the Metrica e Traduzione course.
In the event of failure, students are strongly encouraged to address any gaps in their knowledge by attending the Metrica e Traduzione course and subsequently re-taking the test. The test result (graded on a 30-point scale) will contribute to the evaluation of the first Latin Master’s examination taken and passed, as specified in the syllabus for each course.

2) For students enrolled up to the 2024–2025 academic year:
Access to the examination is conditional on passing the LATIN TEST 2, which will be administered for the final time in the January 2027 session. After this date, all students wishing to take the Latin Master’s examinations will be required to take the test and related exams according to the procedures outlined on the Metrica e Traduzione course page and the pages for the Master's level courses.

The tests may be taken on several dates throughout the academic year (further information is available on the Metrica e Traduzione course page). However, it is strongly recommended that students take the test in the earliest available session. The Metrica e Traduzione course, scheduled for the first semester, replaces the previous Laboratorio di Latino 2, even for students who are unable to pass the Latin Test 2 and require additional support. Students with no prior knowledge of Latin who wish to take the Latin Master’s examinations are encouraged to attend the Latin Language Basics course taught by Professor Cioffi in the second semester, and only later to proceed to the Metrica e Traduzione course.

Ipse dixit: Indirect Tradition and the Survival of Ancient Texts
Ancient texts are not always preserved through direct manuscript transmission. Many survive only through the indirect tradition, that is, through quotations, citations, and commentary within later works—often technical writings such as commentaries, glosses, encyclopedias, and lexica. While this tradition has preserved texts that would otherwise be lost, it also raises philological questions concerning the reliability, transmission, and attribution of such evidence.
The course is divided into two parts. The first (approx. five lectures) offers an introduction to the main concepts, methods, tools, and history of Latin philology. The second (approx. ten lectures) presents selected case studies on indirect transmission, with a focus on authors such as Gaius Julius Solinus, Servius, Fulgentius, and Isidore of Seville, as well as glossographical and lexicographical materials.
An optional workshop series (“I ferri del mestiere”) will further explore the practice of editing ancient texts; a guest seminar may also be offered during the course.

Assessment
1) A reference textbook indicated by the teacher
2) A selection of Latin texts covered during the course, with supporting materials, made available on Moodle
3) Two essays chosen by the student from a list of critical readings provided by the teacher and made available on Moodle
4) Independent reading of one Latin text (in the original language), chosen from two options indicated by the teacher, with a philological-critical commentary

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 lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

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/