Learning objectives
By examining ancient authors' theories on the relation between culture, society and politics, the course aims at providing the opportunity for a reflection on the relevance of cultural principles as an instrument for renovation of political life. A commentary on the texts (in Italian translation) will contribute to develop critical and language compentences as well as the students' judgement autonomy, their ability to draw interdisciplinary connections and to clearly communicate the outcome of their work.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The training of the politician: education in the Roman world.
After a few notions about the subjects that form the traditional education of the ruling class, the course will focus on education in Rome, on the novelty of Cicero's contribution to th earchaic tradition, on the primacy of language on weapons, on the role of eloquence and on the importance of philosophical education. Then we will deal with the educational project of Quintilian's institutio oratoria.We will read (in Italian translation) extracts from Cicero and Quintilian.
The texts will be handed out in class.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Lecture Notes.
Recommended text:
H.-I. Marrou, Storia dell'educazione nell'antichità, trad. it., Roma 1994
or
S.F. Bonner, L'educazione nell'antica Roma, trad. it., Roma, Armando Editore 1986
Teaching methods
The course consists of classroom lectures supplemented by weekly
t u t o r i a l s .
Tutorial activities will be scaled up and down according to students’ abilities and needs.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students will be assessed by an oral examination based on the readings and other material used in the course.
The assessment aims to test:
1) proper knowledge and critical understanding of the issues addressed in the course;
2) critical and interpretation skills along with the ability to produce
personal reinterpretation and interdisciplinary links;
3) oral proficiency; correct use of language; ability to give proper answers to given questions.
Students will have to fully achieve the first two assessment criteria and score a minimum of 60 percent or better to get a pass grade.
Other information
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