Students will acquire the necessary information to make the theatrical text's metrical and rhythmic structure and strophic articulation readable and understandable.

Through reading Euripides' Elena in the original language, with specific attention to the lyrical sections, which will be analysed in detail in terms of their metrical and rhythmic structure, students will also be able to understand this level of theatrical meaning, an essential tool for composers to emphasise statements and dramaturgical aspects.

The course will begin (weeks I-II) with a general introduction to ancient Greek metre and rhythm, with an exposition, through the anthological reading of some essential sources, of ancient theory of metre and a review of modern approaches to ancient Greek verse.

It will continue (weeks III - VI) with the reading, translation, analysis and commentary on metres and rhythms in the light of ancient sources and the manuscript tradition of the lyrical sections of Euripides' Helen.

A solid knowledge of ancient Greek is required.

Students will be introduced to the basics of ancient Greek metre and rhythm, and will learn to read a text independently, with all its complexities, including this specific aspect.

In terms of the information obtained, students will acquire in-depth knowledge of issues relating to the colometric transmission of the text (through careful evaluation of the critical apparatus, the colometric apparatus and the lectiones), and the semantic and dramaturgical value of the metrical and musical choices made by the poet-composer about the plot and the scene.

More generally, the process of analytical reading of the lyrical sections of the chosen text will have a significant impact on the student's ability to independently, competently and rigorously tackle the metrical-rhythmic reading of any verse text from that civilisation, developing their skills of analysis, close reading, synthesis and critical thinking on the data and issues of manuscript transmission and metrical-rhythmic interpretation.

From an educational point of view, students will deepen their awareness of specific methodological aspects characterising literary and, in particular, metrical-rhythmic research and their aesthetic sensitivity to the formal and semantic aspects of metrical-rhythmic and musical discourse.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching materials indicated will, as far as possible, be made available by the teacher on the blended platform.

Teaching

Lectures and shared materials on a blended platform.

Innovative teaching methods

Class discussions and student seminars.

Attendance

To be considered attending, students must have participated in at least 50% of the lessons and, for example, have completed classwork, exercises or other activities organised by the teacher during the course.

Course books

1. Reference edition (mandatory):

Eudipide. Elena, Lorenzo Valla, Mondadori, Milano, 2021, a cura di Barbara Castiglioni; Nota al testo e Appendice metrica a cura di Liana Lomiento

Sarà consultata anche l'edizione Euripidis Fabulae III, ed. J. Diggle, Oxford Classical Texts, Oxford 1994

2. Manual of Greek metre and rhythm (compulsory)

B. Gentili, L. Lomiento, Greek Metrics and Rhythmics. History of Poetic Forms in Ancient Greece, Pisa-Roma 2008

Assessment

Oral exam.

The exam assesses the student's general mastery of ancient Greek metre and rhythm and its specific application to the text studied and analysed.

It also aims to assess the student's linguistic competence and ability to translate and interpret a verse text in the original language. Particular attention will be paid to this aspect of the exam.

The following will result in excellent grades: excellent knowledge of ancient Greek, the student possesses good critical and analytical skills, the ability to connect the main topics covered in the course, and the use of language appropriate to the specific nature of the discipline.

The following will result in fair grades: fair knowledge of ancient Greek; the student's mnemonic understanding of the content; a relative critical ability and ability to connect the topics covered; and appropriate language.

The following will result in a sufficient assessment: sufficient knowledge of ancient Greek; the student's achievement of a minimum level of knowledge on the topics covered, despite some educational gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

The following will result in a failing grade: insufficient knowledge of ancient Greek; difficulty in orienting oneself about the topics covered in the exam texts; gaps in knowledge; use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Lectures and shared materials on a blended platform.

Attendance

Students must adhere strictly to the examination schedule indicated in the online course description.

In case of specific needs that require a change to the schedule, students must contact the instructor to arrange an alternative schedule.

Course books

1. Reference edition (mandatory):

Eudipide. Elena, Lorenzo Valla, Mondadori, Milano, 2021, a cura di Barbara Castiglioni; Nota al testo e Appendice metrica a cura di Liana Lomiento

Also the edition Euripidis Fabulae III, ed. J. Diggle, Oxford Classical Texts, Oxford 1994, will be consulted

2. Manual of Greek metre and rhythm (compulsory)

B. Gentili, L. Lomiento, Greek Metrics and Rhythmics. History of Poetic Forms in Ancient Greece, Pisa-Roma 2008

Assessment

Oral exam.

The exam assesses the student's general mastery of ancient Greek metre and rhythm and its specific application to the text studied and analysed.

It also aims to assess the student's linguistic competence and ability to translate and interpret a verse text in the original language. Particular attention will be paid to this aspect of the exam.

The following will result in excellent grades: excellent knowledge of ancient Greek, the student possesses good critical and analytical skills, the ability to connect the main topics covered in the course, and the use of language appropriate to the specific nature of the discipline.

The following will result in fair grades: fair knowledge of ancient Greek; the student's mnemonic understanding of the content; a relative critical ability and ability to connect the topics covered; and appropriate language.

The following will result in a sufficient assessment: sufficient knowledge of ancient Greek; the student's achievement of a minimum level of knowledge on the topics covered, despite some educational gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

The following will result in a failing grade: insufficient knowledge of ancient Greek; difficulty in orienting oneself about the topics covered in the exam texts; gaps in knowledge; use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.