GREEK HISTORY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
In conformity with the specific learning objectives of the course of study, Unit A has been designed to provide basic knowledge of the historical development of the Greek world from the ancient period to the Hellenistic period (approx. VIII-II c. B.C.), as well as the bases of its civilisation within the context of the history of the ancient Mediterranean world, with particular reference to the Near East. In addition, through the course, the student will become acquainted with basic information on types of sources (literary, epigraphic, numismatic, papyrological, archeological, iconographic) and the ways they are used in studying the history of the world of ancient Greece.
Unit B, which is more specialised, through the study of a specific (yet wide-ranging) topic, will introduce students to actual research work and correct methodology for research, while also emphasising analysis and interpretation of individual texts and documents, the majority of which are given in Italian translation, or material finds and monuments.
Prerequisites
There are no mandatory requirements. General knowledge of the history of the ancient Mediterranean area is recommended.
Course contents summary
Recommended readings
For Unit A, students should be familiar with a standard university-level textbook on Green history. For academic year 2008/2009 the following textbooks are recommended:
C. Mosse - A. Schnapp-Gourbeillon, Storia dei Greci, Roma, Carocci, repr. 2000;
C. Bearzot, Manuale di storia greca, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2005;
M. Bettalli (ed.), Storia greca, Roma, Carocci, 2006.
The study of the textbook must be supplemented by the use of a historical atlas.
For the introductory unit, study of the material read and analysed during the lectures will be supplemented by the reading of one of the following books:
D. Ambaglio, Storia della storiografia greca, Bologna, Monduzzi, 2007
G. Camassa, Forme della vita politica dei Greci in età arcaica e classica, Bologna, Monduzzi, 2008
L. Canfora, Prima lezione di storia greca, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006
G. Daverio Rocchi, Città-stato e stati federali della Grecia classica, Milano, LED, 1993, rist. 2008 (only chapters I-V)
L. Migeotte, L'economia delle città greche, ed. it. by U. Fantasia, Roma. Carocci, 2003.
For Unit B, study of the material read and analysed during the lectures will be supplemented by the reading of two of the following books:
U. Fantasia, La guerra del Peloponneso, Roma, Carocci (in print).
Students have also to read Books II-V or Books VI-VIII of Thucydides' "Histories" (in one of the many available Italian translations).
Students can replace a part of the syllabus with a written report to be discussed during the exam, on a topic to be agreed upon with the professor at the beginning of the course.
Teaching methods
Course instruction consists primarily of classroom lectures, taking into account as much as possible the range of preparation of students taking the course. The professor shall verify the progress of each student as the course progresses through questioning during lessons and individual meetings during office hours.
The final evaluation will consist of an oral exam based on the course syllabus, as well as the discussion, during the exam, of the written report prepared by each student on the topic agreed upon with the professor at the beginning of the course.
