Program Overview

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Introduction to the Latin Theatrical Literature Program

The Latin Theatrical Literature program offers an in-depth exploration of Roman theatrical literature, examining its performative contexts and broader cultural background. This program delves into the Latin literary tradition and its relationship with Greek models.

Program Overview

Aims and Learning Outcomes

• Students will learn to contextualize the main authors and works of Latin literature from both diachronic and synchronic perspectives.
• Students will be able to situate dramatic genres within the framework of the reception of Greek models and the evolution of the historical and cultural context.
• Students will analyze a Latin play from stylistic, dramaturgical, and literary perspectives.

Prerequisites

None

Teaching Methods

A dialogical approach will be favored, encouraging active and dialectical participation by students. The final lessons will adopt a workshop format, dedicated to creating a script from ancient dramas.

Syllabus/Content

Characters in the Mirror: Estrangement in the Dialogues of Latin Theatre

The program begins with an introduction to the performative context of Latin theatre, along with an overview of its historical, cultural, and literary background. The core of the program consists of a comedy by Plautus and a tragedy by Seneca, studied in Italian translation.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Textbooks:
  • G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina
  • Storia del teatro latino, a cura di G. Petrone
• Works to read (Italian or English translation):
  • Plautus,
  • Terentius,
  • Sophocles, Oedipus Rex or Seneca,
  • Seneca,
  • Seneca,

Teachers and Exam Board

• Teacher: Alice Bonandini
• Exam Board:
  • Alice Bonandini (President)
  • Arianna Fecit
  • Gabriella Moretti (President Substitute)
  • Biagio Santorelli (President Substitute)
  • Elena Donadio (Substitute)
  • Lisa Longoni (Substitute)

Lessons

Lessons Start

February 10, 2026

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available on the Portale EasyAcademy.

Exams

Exam Description

The exam consists of a written form with the following parts:

1. History of Literature
2. History of Latin Theatre
3. Monographic Section: Plautus, ; Seneca,
4. Independent Reading: Selected tragedies and comedies

Assessment Methods

• Written Exam: Students will answer multiple-choice and open-ended questions demonstrating knowledge of key authors, genres, and the ability to analyze Latin texts in translation.
• Workshop Component (for Attending Students): Attending students will submit and discuss a short theatrical writing assignment inspired by a passage from one of the plays studied.

Assessment Criteria

The final grade will reflect the student's command of Latin theatrical literature, ability to contextualize literary phenomena, and mastery of specialized vocabulary.

Further Information

• Adaptation of assessment methods for students with special educational needs / Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) is available.
• Students with disabilities or SLD can consult guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools, and/or dispensatory measures at the university's website.

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

Gender Equality

The program promotes gender equality through its inclusive teaching methods and assessment criteria.