The course aims to provide the knowledge and understanding of texts and contexts, typologies and diachronic development of the dramatical genres and of their stage realisations in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Moreover, it aims to develop the capacity of analysing and interpreting ancient Greek and Latin theatrical texts from the dramatic point of view, contextualising them in the history of the Classical civilisations.
The results that are expected are: - knowledge and understanding of the topics of the course; - the ability to incorporate this knowledge into the history of the Classical civilisations; - the ability to analyse and interpret, from the dramaturgical point of view, the ancient Greek and Latin theatrical texts selected by the student for the exam; - the ability to clearly communicate the notions learned and to insert them into an organic historical and conceptual framework.
Course Prerequisites
A background culture in humanities. For the analyses of the texts and the topics that will be discussed during the course, it is not necessary to know ancient Greek and Latin languages.
Teaching Methods
The course is delivered in a blended format: it alternates between in-person lectures (seminar-style), remote classes (interactive instruction), and asynchronous sessions (lecture-style). The schedule for individual sessions and their respective delivery formats will be posted on KIRO and explained at the beginning of the course (the first class will be in person).
In addition, quizzes or ongoing assessments (not mandatory) will be administered via the KIRO platform to evaluate students’ understanding of the topics covered.
Assessment Methods
The exam will consist of an oral interview, during which the student must demonstrate knowledge of: 1) the textbooks listed in the bibliography (IMPORTANT: completing the ongoing questionnaires—to be done remotely—and actively and constructively participating in the seminars, which are scheduled as part of the in-person classes, can replace the study of textbooks and contribute to the determination of the final grade); 2) topics, texts, and instructional materials covered in class; 3) two plays (one tragedy and one comedy) of the student’s choice.
For the purposes of the final evaluation, the student’s ability to place this knowledge within the context of the history of Greek and Roman culture, to articulate the conceptual connections between the various topics, and to communicate clearly using appropriate technical language will also be assessed.
Texts
For the history of ancient Greek and Roman theater, see: - G. Mastromarco, P. Totaro, Storia del teatro greco, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2008; - G. Petrone, cur., Storia del teatro latino, Roma, Carocci, 2020 (only chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11: chapters 5 and 12 only if the student reads a work by Plautus and/or Seneca).
Moreover, the student must carry out a critical reading of two ancient dramas (one tragedy and one comedy) in a good Italian translation, to be agreed with the professor.
Contents
The ancient theatrical performance in the Greek and Roman worlds: contexts, occasions, forms, personalities and works of ancient Greek and Roman drama.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Non-attending students and those belonging to the categories for which inclusive teaching modes are provided are invited to contact the professor well in advance of the exam, so that receptions and any activities dedicated to them can be arranged.
For students enrolled in single courses or not enrolled in courses in the Department of Musicology and Cultural Heritage, a different schedule is planned, to be agreed upon after an interview with the professor.
