Learning objectives
Module 1 + Module 2
Early Christian Literature (Prof. Rota) + Biblical Exegesis (Prof. Rota)
The integrated course on Early Christian Literature (Early Christian Literature LM + Biblical Exegesis) contributes to the acquisition of advanced methodological skills in linguistic-philological studies, aimed at the translation, analysis, and critical understanding of exegetical texts in Greek and Latin. To achieve the educational objectives, direct reading and in-depth interpretation of the monographic course texts are included in the lectures, supported by other assisted teaching activities aimed at initiating individual research paths. Students will apply their disciplinary knowledge in the independent development of a short research project on a chosen topic, translating and analyzing texts using appropriate bibliographic tools and methodologies.
At the conclusion of the course, students should have gained the ability to confidently tackle the translation of even complex texts, as well as the ability to communicate the results of their study and research clearly and eloquently.
- Knowledge and Understanding
The integrated course on Early Christian Literature will enable students to acquire knowledge through targeted teaching interventions such as lectures, seminars, and exercises.
- Applying Knowledge and Understanding
The study of the Judaic-Hellenistic historical context and the synoptic analysis of the most characteristic aspects of early Christian literary manifestations will lead to an understanding of the fundamental developments in testamentary exegesis in Greek and Latin, as well as the content of the examined literary texts. This knowledge will broaden the students' literary reference horizon considerably and provide them with a better contextualization of critical-textual aspects, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of contemporary theological and literary dynamics.
- Making Judgements
At the end of the course, based on analytical knowledge both in theoretical, linguistic, and literary aspects, students should have developed the ability to collect data and critically interpret ancient Christian texts, as well as to formulate autonomous and motivated judgments about them and the socio-cultural context in which they are situated.
- Communication Skills
At the conclusion of the course, students should have acquired the ability to accurately communicate both literary and extra-literary contents and to develop clear transversal historical-literary pathways.
- Learning Skills
The theoretical and disciplinary commitment should provide students with methodological mastery and learning skills that are useful for future professions related to teaching and communication.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
Unit 1
Early Christian Literature
(Prof. Rota)
The first part of the course will focus on literary institutions and critical methodology, with particular reference to:
- evolution of Early Christian literary genres;
- intertextuality and hypertextuality:
- early stages of Early Christian Literature;
- formal and literary aspects of continuity and discontinuity: Early Christian Literature and its relations with Greek and Latin Literatures.
The second part of the course will focus on the formation of the concept of orthodoxy in early centuries.
Unit 2
Old and New Testament Exegesis (Prof. Rota)
The course will focus on the doctrinal disputes between allegorical and literal exegesis.
Full programme
Bibliography
Unit 1
Ancient Christian Literature
(Prof. Rota)
1) M. SIMONETTI, E. PRINZIVALLI, Storia della letteratura cristiana antica, ed. EDB, Bologna 2010 (selezione di autori)
2) Selection of papers (assigned during class).
Non-attending students must get in contact the the teacher for information on bibliography
Unit 2
Old and New Testament Exegesis (Prof. Rota)
1) J. SCHRIJNEN, I caratteri del latino cristiano antico; con un’appendice di Christine Mohrmann: dopo quarant’anni, ed. it. Pàtron, Bologna 2002.
2) Selection of papers (assigned during class).
Students of Classics will be assigned specific bibliography according to their particular cultural desiderata.
Non-attending students must get in contact the teacher for information on bibliography.
Teaching methods
Module 1 + Module 2
Early Christian Literature (Prof. Rota) + Biblical Exegesis (Prof. Rota)
The course consists of lectures supported by weekly tutoring sessions and the provision of short video recordings or supporting materials. Through the lectures, students will be introduced to a methodological approach to texts that takes into account the literary genres and peculiar characteristics of the authors being studied. In addition to the lectures, other teaching activities (exercises and tutoring) will be offered to support students in acquiring the necessary skills for proper reading and translation of the texts. The assisted teaching activities will be organized according to the different needs and levels of preparation of the students enrolled in the course.
During the lectures, passages from works by Greek and Latin Christian authors will be read, translated, and commented upon. The connections between the proposed texts will be highlighted, particularly through verbal references, arguments, images, and metaphors. The necessary critical bibliography for analyzing the proposed texts will be provided. In this way, an approach to the texts will be offered to the students, serving as a model for individual in-depth study. The students will apply the same analytical methodologies in a short research project on a chosen topic. They will be guided through this individual path with the support of assisted teaching activities tailored to the specific needs of those enrolled in the course.
Assessment methods and criteria
Module 1
Early Christian Literature (Prof. Rota)
For the purpose of assessment, an oral examination on the different parts of the curriculum is scheduled to evaluate:
- Correct critical understanding of the formal, substantial, and literary aspects of the main genres of Early Christian literature.
- Understanding of the fundamental developments in Greek and Latin Christian literature and the content of the examined literary texts.
- Ability to gather data and critically interpret Early Christian texts, as well as to formulate autonomous and motivated judgments about them and the socio-cultural context in which they are situated.
- Ability to develop clear transversal historical-literary pathways.
Evaluation criteria:
- Clarity of exposition, language proficiency, ability to rework the content, capacity for interdisciplinary connections, use of specialized vocabulary, relevance of answers to the questions asked.
A passing grade will be achieved with correct responses to 60% of the questions posed, in accordance with the above criteria.
Module 2
Biblical Exegesis
(Prof. Rota)
For the purpose of assessment, an oral examination on the different parts of the curriculum (including a short individual research project) is scheduled to evaluate:
- Correct critical understanding of the formal, substantial, and literary aspects of the main themes of Biblical Exegesis.
- Understanding of the fundamental developments in Testamentary Exegesis in Greek and Latin and the content of the examined literary texts.
- Ability to gather data and critically interpret exegetical texts, as well as to formulate autonomous and motivated judgments about them and the socio-cultural context in which they are situated.
- Ability to develop clear transversal historical-literary pathways.
Evaluation criteria:
- Clarity of exposition, language proficiency, ability to rework the content, capacity for interdisciplinary connections, use of specialized vocabulary, relevance of answers to the questions asked.
A passing grade will be achieved with correct responses to 60% of the questions posed, in accordance with the above criteria.
The final grade will be the average of the sum of the evaluations from both modules of the course.
Other information
