LFU:online

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to trace the fundamental lines of the historical development of Renaissance Philology. They should also be able to trace the reception in the Renaissance of the classical authors discussed.

During the heroic age of rediscoveries, the philological activity of humanists has strongly influenced the manuscript traditions of the Classics at the beginning of Renaissance. This activity often circulated texts that have become canonical for many centuries. The philological method of humanists improved during the 15th century. Subsequently, it experienced a profound transformation with the advent of printing. In the 16th century, the achievements of humanistic philology become an important cultural heritage for European scholars.

This course aims at presenting an overview of this tradition, focusing on four significant issues:

1.       The Rediscovery of ancient Manuscripts in the 14th and 15th century

2.       The philological Method of Humanists

3.       The European Philology in the16th century

4.       Some case Studies: Cicero between Boccaccio and Petrarca, the Rediscovery of Plautus in the 15th century, Festus between Polziano and Joseph Scaliger

Combination of lectures and discussion on literary sources with students.

Written exam in Italian or in German (student’s choice). As for Latin texts, students will be given the possibility to choose whether to provide a commentary or a translation. Attendance and participation of the student during the course will count for 50% of the final mark.

Secondary Literature will be provided during the course.