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
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.
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. 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).
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;
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
Teaching methods
Oral lesson.
Original reproductions of papyri and critical examinations.
Slides of Power Point
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam.
Written paper on a papyrus edited or inedited (a pattern for the edition of a papyrus text).
Other information
Guidelines for the papyrological edition of known text and of adespota. The value of these texts for the history of classical scholarship. The electronic edition of fragmentary papyri. Critical study of recent editions and their contribution to the classic tradition. Different genres of literary texts.
