Learning objectives
The aim of the spcialized course is to improve competence in the discipline of Papyrology (advancing skills in reading papyrus texts and using the bibliographic instruments to deepen a correct understanding of interdisciplinary aspects offered by the sources). Introduction to a proper and responsible method of reading, interpretation and study of literary and documentary texts found on papyri.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are competence in both basic Papyrological skills (5ECTS) and in a historical or cultural area such as Greek Literature, Greek History, Roman History, and Classical Archaeology, for which the sources that are to be studied may be applied.
Course unit content
The block course will deal with the literature and documents that have been found in Egypt. Life and culture, history and administration over the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Archaeological context and the history of the excavations.
Full programme
The Papyrologist at Work. A methodological approach. The block course will deal with the literature and documents that have been found in Egypt. Life and culture, history and administration over the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Archaeological context and the history of the excavations. Palaeographical examination, reading and interpretation of a selection of papyri together with more thorough investigation and exercise with the evidence supplied by literary and documentary texts (reading will include reproductions of the originals as well as translations).
Bibliography
E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, ed. italiana a c. di M. Manfredi, Roma: Carocci, 2002;
A.K. Bowman, L'Egitto dopo i faraoni (Introd. di Edda Bresciani), Firenze: Giunti, 1997;
Th.C. Skeat, La produzione libraria cristiana delle origini: papiri e manoscritti, Firenze 1976 (fotocopie);
G. Cavallo, La nascita del codice, SIFC, ser. III/3 (1985), pp. 118-121;
N. Lewis, Life in Egypt under Roman Rule, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1983
C. Gallazzi, La ricerca archeologica a Umm el-Breigât, in Maria Casini (ed.), Cento anni in Egitto. Percorsi dell’archeologia italiana, Milano: Electa, 2001, pp. 171-83;
A.E. Hanson, Papyrology: A Discipline in Flux (in G.W. Most, Ed., Disciplining Classics – Altertumswissenschaft als Beruf, Göttingen 2002 = Aporemata 6), pp. 191-206.
Teaching methods
Palaeographical examination, reading and interpretation of a selection of papyri together with more thorough investigation and exercise with the evidence supplied by literary and documentary texts (reading will include reproductions of the originals as well as translations). A specialized Seminar will deal with the transcription and study of unpublished Papyri from the Bancroft Library of Berkeley, Ca.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Written paper on a specific subject
Other information
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