GREEK HISTORIOGRAPHY

This lecture course is part of the Master's Degree Programme in Ancient Civilisations: Literature, History and Archaeology as a core educational activity in Ancient History (common curriculum), 6 CFU.
It allows students to acquire notions concerning:
- advanced content, methodological and epistemological skills in the field of Greek history and historiography;
- an in-depth knowledge of Greek antiquity in its historical expressions, obtained through direct knowledge of the texts, also philologically investigated, and of all the documentary evidence that contributes to the reconstruction of historical processes;
- advanced methodological skills in the description, reading and interpretation of historical sources;
- interest in the history of studies with particular reference to historiographical aspects;
- knowledge of the main traditional and digital tools (indexes, corpora, image archives) for the research and the updating of the discipline;
- the ability to develop an original scientific presentation.

The course responds to the educational objectives of the Master’s Degree (as detailed in Section A4 of the SUA), and has the following expected learning outcomes (according to the Dublin Descriptors):
1. Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the core topic of the course. Students will become familiar with the terminology used to discuss these concepts and with the primary sources that inform our understanding of them.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to analyse and interpret primary texts (in original language and in translation), recognize the relevant terminology, and apply concepts learned to new contexts. They will develop skills in critically analysing both ancient sources and modern scholarship on the topic.
3. Making judgments: Students will develop the ability to evaluate different interpretations of the topics, formulate and argue for their own interpretations, and reflect on the ethical and social implications of these concepts both in antiquity and today.
4. Communication skills: Students will enhance their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate scholarly language and terms. They will practice presenting arguments and discussing them with peers.
5. Learning skills: Students will develop the ability to conduct independent research on topics, to critically evaluate scholarship, and to engage with theoretical frameworks from various disciplines.

To take this course, students must have a basic understanding of Greek history, as outlined in the syllabus for the Greek History course in the Bachelor’s program (FT0252 or FT0253).

A good knowledge of the Greek language is also essential; students can acquire this by taking the Greek Workshop (divided into three different levels) offered within the Department. Furthermore, specific expertise in at least one of the disciplines taught within the degree program pertaining to the L-FIL-LET/02 (Greek Literature) or L-FIL-LET/05 (Classical Philology).

1. An Overview of Greek Historiography from the Early 5th Century to the Early Roman Imperial Period.
The first part offers a general introduction to the field, with a particular focus on the following three aspects:​
- resources for the study of Greek historiography;​
- the textual dimension: texts and fragments;​
- figures and themes in classical Greek historiography.

2. TOWARD SICILY. THUCYDIDES, BOOK VI, 1–41
This course involves the reading, translation, and analysis of the opening chapters of Thucydides’ Book VI, with particular attention to the so-called “Sicilian archaeology,” the diplomatic preludes to the expedition, the debate in the Athenian assembly, the reactions in the Syracusan assembly, and the fleet’s departure from Piraeus.
Historical, rhetorical, and lexical aspects are examined within the overall structure of The Histories.

1. General Introduction
- Introduzione alla storiografia greca, a cura di M. Bettalli (nuova edizione), Roma, Carocci, 2009.​
- P. Desideri, Scrivere gli eventi storici, in I Greci. Storia, cultura, arte, società. I, a cura di S. Settis, Einaudi, Torino 1996, 955-1013.

2. Thuc., Book 6
Text: G.B. Alberti (Roma 2000).
Commentary: A.W. Gomme, A. Andrewes, K,J, Dover, A Historical Commentary on Thucydides. Books V 25-VII, IV, Oxford 1970; S. Hornblower, A Commentary on Thucydides. III: Books 5.25-8.109, Oxford 2008; C. Pelling, Thucydides. The Peloponnesian War: book VI, Cambridge 2022.
Translation: A. Corcella, La disfatta a Siracusa, Venezia 1996.

Additional required readings will be indicated during class and assigned on a case-by-case basis to one or more students, who will then present a critical summary in class.

The evaluation will take into account the following aspects: mastery of content and the specialist terminology acquired during the course; ability to conduct a historical/conceptual analysis of relevant texts; capacity for argumentation, critical judgment, synthesis, and analysis.

All students (including non-attending students) are required to prepare an in-depth study (a translation and historiographical commentary on a passage of approximately 40 lines). They present their work and discuss it during a seminar session.​

The final grade is based on the evaluation of the following components:​
a) oral presentation of the seminar paper (50%)​
b) final exam (50%), which covers:​
1. general section​
2. aspects, themes, and readings presented and discussed during the course
3. in-depth study presented in the seminar

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.

A. Grades in the range 18-22 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Sufficient knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.

B. Grades in the range 23-26 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Good knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Discrete communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.

C. Grades in the range 27-30 will be awarded in the presence of:
• Very good or excellent knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the programme;
• Good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments;
• Fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language pertaining to the dimension of honour.

D. "Lode" (distinction) will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and understanding applied with reference to the program, judgment capacity, and communication skills.

The course will be structured around one or two weekly seminars of 2 hours each, combining lectures and discussion sessions. Students will be expected to prepare a small number of assigned readings before each seminar and to participate actively in discussions.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development