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 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 Papyrologist at Work. A methodological approach to the reading of literary papyri.
The block course will deal with the literature (technical and philosophical texts) that have been found in Egypt.
The philological edition of a papyrus text.
Full programme
The specialized course will deal with the reading of both literary and documentary papyri in a historical or cultural area such as Greek Literature, Greek History, Roman History, and Classical Archaeology. Life and culture, history and administration over the Ptolemaic and Roman periods will be explored. Reading will include reproductions of the originals as well as translations. Students will be introduced to a proper method of interpretation of literary and documentary texts found on papyri ranging in date from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD. A training in the use of bibliographic instruments to deepen a correct understanding of interdisciplinary aspects offered by the sources is also included.
Bibliography
E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, ed. italiana a c. di M. Manfredi, Roma: Carocci, 2002;
G. Cavallo, La nascita del codice, SIFC, ser. III/3 (1985), pp. 118-121;
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).
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam.
Written paper on the edition of a papyrus text.
Other information
A written paper concerning a pattern of a text edition will be required at the end of the course. A specialized Seminar will deal with the transcription and study of unpublished texts. A training in the use of bibliographic instruments to deepen a correct understanding of interdisciplinary aspects offered by the sources is also included.
