ID:
SUT0177
Duration (hours):
56
CFU:
7
SSD:
LINGUA E LETTERATURA GRECA
Located in:
Varese - Università degli Studi dell'Insubria
Year:
2026
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (22/02/2027 - 28/05/2027)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course offers an introduction to Greco-Roman civilisation in its various defining aspects: history, literature, society, customs and traditions, everyday life, with particular attention to forms of communication and to the relationship between texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception. Through the reading of two specific dramatic works, Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, the course will provide an overall perspective aimed at exploring the relationship between communication and audience in the Greco-Roman world.
Students will learn to interpret texts and phenomena of Greco-Roman culture by considering the relationship between sender, message, recipient, code, context, and channel of communication.Students will acquire knowledge of the main aspects of Greco-Roman civilisation, with particular attention to history, literature, society, customs and traditions, everyday life, and forms of communication in the ancient world. Through the reading of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, they will also learn to recognise and understand the relationship between texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
– demonstrate a structured knowledge of the main aspects of Greco-Roman civilisation, with reference to history, literature, society, customs and traditions, and everyday life; understand the central role of communication in the ancient world and recognise the relationships between texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception; through the reading and analysis of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, identify the specific features of Greek and Latin dramatic production and the different ways in which the same myth may be reworked in distinct historical, cultural, and communicative contexts;
– apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of texts and phenomena of Greco-Roman culture; in particular, interpret the two Medeas by Euripides and Seneca by considering the relationship between sender, message, recipient, code, context, and channel of communication; compare texts belonging to different cultural traditions, identifying continuities, transformations, and differences between the Greek and Roman worlds, also in relation to the intended audience and the modes of reception of the dramatic text;
– formulate independent and well-argued judgements on the texts analysed and on the cultural phenomena connected with communication in the Greco-Roman world; critically compare Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, assessing the different dramaturgical, communicative, and cultural strategies adopted by the two authors; integrate historical, literary, social, and cultural information in order to interpret the texts with critical awareness;
– communicate clearly, coherently, and persuasively the knowledge acquired concerning Greco-Roman civilisation and the texts studied; present, orally and/or in writing, an analysis of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, using appropriate terminology and demonstrating awareness of the interpretative processes adopted; explain the relationship between text, author, audience, and communicative context in a way that is accessible both to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
– develop autonomous learning skills in the study of Greco-Roman civilisation and ancient dramatic texts; independently approach the reading and commentary of ancient texts in translation, selecting relevant information and connecting it to the appropriate historical, cultural, and communicative contexts; use the skills acquired to pursue independently the further study of other texts and phenomena of Greco-Roman culture, applying the interpretative model based on the relationship between sender, message, recipient, code, context, and channel of communication.
Students will learn to interpret texts and phenomena of Greco-Roman culture by considering the relationship between sender, message, recipient, code, context, and channel of communication.Students will acquire knowledge of the main aspects of Greco-Roman civilisation, with particular attention to history, literature, society, customs and traditions, everyday life, and forms of communication in the ancient world. Through the reading of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, they will also learn to recognise and understand the relationship between texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
– demonstrate a structured knowledge of the main aspects of Greco-Roman civilisation, with reference to history, literature, society, customs and traditions, and everyday life; understand the central role of communication in the ancient world and recognise the relationships between texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception; through the reading and analysis of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, identify the specific features of Greek and Latin dramatic production and the different ways in which the same myth may be reworked in distinct historical, cultural, and communicative contexts;
– apply the knowledge acquired to the analysis of texts and phenomena of Greco-Roman culture; in particular, interpret the two Medeas by Euripides and Seneca by considering the relationship between sender, message, recipient, code, context, and channel of communication; compare texts belonging to different cultural traditions, identifying continuities, transformations, and differences between the Greek and Roman worlds, also in relation to the intended audience and the modes of reception of the dramatic text;
– formulate independent and well-argued judgements on the texts analysed and on the cultural phenomena connected with communication in the Greco-Roman world; critically compare Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, assessing the different dramaturgical, communicative, and cultural strategies adopted by the two authors; integrate historical, literary, social, and cultural information in order to interpret the texts with critical awareness;
– communicate clearly, coherently, and persuasively the knowledge acquired concerning Greco-Roman civilisation and the texts studied; present, orally and/or in writing, an analysis of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, using appropriate terminology and demonstrating awareness of the interpretative processes adopted; explain the relationship between text, author, audience, and communicative context in a way that is accessible both to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
– develop autonomous learning skills in the study of Greco-Roman civilisation and ancient dramatic texts; independently approach the reading and commentary of ancient texts in translation, selecting relevant information and connecting it to the appropriate historical, cultural, and communicative contexts; use the skills acquired to pursue independently the further study of other texts and phenomena of Greco-Roman culture, applying the interpretative model based on the relationship between sender, message, recipient, code, context, and channel of communication.
Course Prerequisites
No prior specialist knowledge is required. An interest in classical culture and in literary, historical, artistic, and humanistic fields is desirable, as is an aptitude for the critical analysis of texts and cultural phenomena of the ancient world in relation to their respective contexts of production, communication, and reception.
Teaching Methods
The course (7 ECTS credits) consists of 56 hours of teaching activities through lectures, aimed at providing students with the historical, literary, cultural, and methodological coordinates necessary for understanding Greco-Roman civilization and the texts under study.
The lectures will be complemented by guided textual analysis sessions, with particular reference to Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, read in Italian translation. The analysis will focus on the structural, thematic, dramaturgical, and communicative aspects of the works, as well as on the relationship between author, text, audience, and context of reception.
Each lesson is conceived as a shared space for discussion and exchange, intended to encourage students’ active participation and to stimulate critical reflection on the topics addressed. From this perspective, the course will adopt a cooperative approach, in which students will be invited to contribute, ask questions, offer interpretative observations, and compare different points of view.
The basic contents of the course will be presented according to a structure established in advance, but they may be progressively adapted in relation to the students’ specific interests and their field of study. This flexibility will make it possible, where appropriate, to explore in greater depth literary, historical, artistic, communicative aspects, or issues related to the modern reception of classical myth.
Particular attention will be devoted to the connection between theoretical content and the concrete analysis of texts. Students will be guided in applying interpretative categories related to communication, such as sender, message, recipient, code, context, and communication channel, in order to understand the ways in which ancient texts construct their relationship with the audience.
The specific aim of the course is to combine the acquisition of historical and literary knowledge with the development of skills in analysis, interpretation, argumentation, and critical discussion.
The lectures will be complemented by guided textual analysis sessions, with particular reference to Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea, read in Italian translation. The analysis will focus on the structural, thematic, dramaturgical, and communicative aspects of the works, as well as on the relationship between author, text, audience, and context of reception.
Each lesson is conceived as a shared space for discussion and exchange, intended to encourage students’ active participation and to stimulate critical reflection on the topics addressed. From this perspective, the course will adopt a cooperative approach, in which students will be invited to contribute, ask questions, offer interpretative observations, and compare different points of view.
The basic contents of the course will be presented according to a structure established in advance, but they may be progressively adapted in relation to the students’ specific interests and their field of study. This flexibility will make it possible, where appropriate, to explore in greater depth literary, historical, artistic, communicative aspects, or issues related to the modern reception of classical myth.
Particular attention will be devoted to the connection between theoretical content and the concrete analysis of texts. Students will be guided in applying interpretative categories related to communication, such as sender, message, recipient, code, context, and communication channel, in order to understand the ways in which ancient texts construct their relationship with the audience.
The specific aim of the course is to combine the acquisition of historical and literary knowledge with the development of skills in analysis, interpretation, argumentation, and critical discussion.
Assessment Methods
Assessment of learning is aimed at verifying the achievement of the course learning objectives, with particular reference to knowledge of Greco-Roman civilization, the ability to analyse texts and cultural phenomena in relation to communicative contexts, autonomy of judgment, clarity of expression, and the ability to continue independently the study of ancient texts in greater depth.
The oral examination will focus on the contents of the course, on the materials discussed in class and uploaded to the Dashboard, as well as on the complete reading of Euripides’ Medea and on the selected passages or themes concerning Seneca’s Medea. Students will be expected to correctly place historical events, works, authors, and cultural phenomena in context, to know the myth of Medea and the development of the two tragedies, and to be able to read, contextualize, and comment on a specific scene, relating it to the overall structure of the work.
The oral examination will assess in particular:
– knowledge of the main aspects of Greco-Roman civilization: history, literature, society, customs and traditions, and daily life;
– understanding of the role of communication in the ancient world;
– the ability to connect texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception;
– the ability to critically compare Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea;
– accuracy, clarity, and coherence in oral presentation;11– command of specialist terminology.
Non-attending students are kindly asked to contact the instructor during office hours.
Assessment criteria and grading scale.
A grade of 18–21 corresponds to an essential knowledge of the course contents, a basic ability to analyse texts, and an understandable but not very in-depth presentation. Authors, works, and phenomena of Greco-Roman civilization are generally connected, but only in a limited way. Textual analysis is mainly descriptive and applies the sender-message-recipient-code-context-channel communication model only at an initial level. The presentation is understandable, although with some terminological or argumentative uncertainties.
A grade of 22–26 corresponds to a sound knowledge of the course contents, a correct ability to analyse and contextualize texts, an adequate use of disciplinary tools, and a clear and coherent presentation. Knowledge of texts, authors, and contexts is solid, as are the connections between history, literature, society, and communication. In the analysis of Euripides’ and/or Seneca’s Medea, the communication model is taken into constant consideration, and differences and continuities between the Greek and Roman worlds are identified. The argumentation is coherent, with a fair degree of autonomy of judgment and generally correct use of specialist terminology.
A grade of 27–30 corresponds to an in-depth and critical knowledge of the course contents, a high ability to independently interpret texts, a mature use of bibliography and methodological tools, as well as rigorous, well-argued communication appropriate to different interlocutors.
Cum laude may be awarded when, in addition to fully meeting the requirements for an excellent grade, the student demonstrates that they have carried out further independent study beyond the ordinary course contents, through the informed use of additional specialist bibliography, critical comparison of different interpretations, the proposal of original connections, and a particularly high level of scientific and methodological quality, together with notable communicative effectiveness.
The oral examination will focus on the contents of the course, on the materials discussed in class and uploaded to the Dashboard, as well as on the complete reading of Euripides’ Medea and on the selected passages or themes concerning Seneca’s Medea. Students will be expected to correctly place historical events, works, authors, and cultural phenomena in context, to know the myth of Medea and the development of the two tragedies, and to be able to read, contextualize, and comment on a specific scene, relating it to the overall structure of the work.
The oral examination will assess in particular:
– knowledge of the main aspects of Greco-Roman civilization: history, literature, society, customs and traditions, and daily life;
– understanding of the role of communication in the ancient world;
– the ability to connect texts, authors, audiences, and contexts of reception;
– the ability to critically compare Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea;
– accuracy, clarity, and coherence in oral presentation;11– command of specialist terminology.
Non-attending students are kindly asked to contact the instructor during office hours.
Assessment criteria and grading scale.
A grade of 18–21 corresponds to an essential knowledge of the course contents, a basic ability to analyse texts, and an understandable but not very in-depth presentation. Authors, works, and phenomena of Greco-Roman civilization are generally connected, but only in a limited way. Textual analysis is mainly descriptive and applies the sender-message-recipient-code-context-channel communication model only at an initial level. The presentation is understandable, although with some terminological or argumentative uncertainties.
A grade of 22–26 corresponds to a sound knowledge of the course contents, a correct ability to analyse and contextualize texts, an adequate use of disciplinary tools, and a clear and coherent presentation. Knowledge of texts, authors, and contexts is solid, as are the connections between history, literature, society, and communication. In the analysis of Euripides’ and/or Seneca’s Medea, the communication model is taken into constant consideration, and differences and continuities between the Greek and Roman worlds are identified. The argumentation is coherent, with a fair degree of autonomy of judgment and generally correct use of specialist terminology.
A grade of 27–30 corresponds to an in-depth and critical knowledge of the course contents, a high ability to independently interpret texts, a mature use of bibliography and methodological tools, as well as rigorous, well-argued communication appropriate to different interlocutors.
Cum laude may be awarded when, in addition to fully meeting the requirements for an excellent grade, the student demonstrates that they have carried out further independent study beyond the ordinary course contents, through the informed use of additional specialist bibliography, critical comparison of different interpretations, the proposal of original connections, and a particularly high level of scientific and methodological quality, together with notable communicative effectiveness.
Contents
The course (7 ECTS), consists of 56 total hours of teaching activities, organized as weekly lectures. Each session includes five academic hours and combines historical and cultural framing, theoretical exposition, textual analysis, and guided discussion.
The course is divided into three sections. The first section (lessons 1-2, hours 1-10), will be devoted to the main historical, literary, and cultural aspects of Greek and Roman civilization. This phase will provide the general framework necessary to understand the development of Greco-Roman culture, with particular attention to the relationships between history, literature, society, forms of communication, and the contexts in which texts were received and used.
The second section (lessons 3-7, hours 11-35), will be devoted to Greek theatre. The origins of theatre, its organization within the context of the polis, its relationship with religious and civic practices, the main features of tragedy and comedy, and the role of the audience in theatrical performance will be discussed. The life and works of the major authors of Greek theatre, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes, will also be presented. Particular attention will be paid to tragedy as a form of public communication and as a space for the exploration of mythical, ethical, political, and social questions.
The third section (lessons 8-11, hours 36-56), will be devoted to the reading, in Italian translation, of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea. Through a comparative analysis of the two works, the structural and thematic elements specific to Attic tragedy and Roman tragedy will be examined in depth. The myth of Medea in ancient sources, the different ways in which the character is reworked by the two authors, the relationship between text, author, audience, and communicative context, as well as the main dramaturgical and rhetorical strategies adopted in the two tragedies, will be explored.
The concluding hours, 55-56, will be devoted to summarizing the course, comparing the main themes addressed, and reflecting on the reception of the myth of Medea from antiquity to the contemporary age, with attention also to some modern rewritings and recent forms of reception, including graphic novels. In this way, the course aims to demonstrate the vitality of classical myth and its capacity to be continually reinterpreted in relation to new languages, audiences, and cultural contexts.
The course is divided into three sections. The first section (lessons 1-2, hours 1-10), will be devoted to the main historical, literary, and cultural aspects of Greek and Roman civilization. This phase will provide the general framework necessary to understand the development of Greco-Roman culture, with particular attention to the relationships between history, literature, society, forms of communication, and the contexts in which texts were received and used.
The second section (lessons 3-7, hours 11-35), will be devoted to Greek theatre. The origins of theatre, its organization within the context of the polis, its relationship with religious and civic practices, the main features of tragedy and comedy, and the role of the audience in theatrical performance will be discussed. The life and works of the major authors of Greek theatre, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes, will also be presented. Particular attention will be paid to tragedy as a form of public communication and as a space for the exploration of mythical, ethical, political, and social questions.
The third section (lessons 8-11, hours 36-56), will be devoted to the reading, in Italian translation, of Euripides’ Medea and Seneca’s Medea. Through a comparative analysis of the two works, the structural and thematic elements specific to Attic tragedy and Roman tragedy will be examined in depth. The myth of Medea in ancient sources, the different ways in which the character is reworked by the two authors, the relationship between text, author, audience, and communicative context, as well as the main dramaturgical and rhetorical strategies adopted in the two tragedies, will be explored.
The concluding hours, 55-56, will be devoted to summarizing the course, comparing the main themes addressed, and reflecting on the reception of the myth of Medea from antiquity to the contemporary age, with attention also to some modern rewritings and recent forms of reception, including graphic novels. In this way, the course aims to demonstrate the vitality of classical myth and its capacity to be continually reinterpreted in relation to new languages, audiences, and cultural contexts.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The professor holds office hours every Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from September 24, 2026, to May 27, 2027, as follows:
- In person: Campus Bizzozero, Padiglione Rossi, Room 014;
- On Teams: The link will be sent the day before the office hours to those who have requested it.
An appointment must always be scheduled via email (fp.bianchi@uninsubria.it) by the Tuesday preceding the office hour; a confirmation of receipt will be sent (along with the link, if applicable).
Only students who have scheduled an appointment will be seen.
For in-person office hours, availability in the office cannot be guaranteed without an appointment.
Outside of the specified period, you may schedule an appointment by emailing fp.bianchi@uninsubria.it.
- In person: Campus Bizzozero, Padiglione Rossi, Room 014;
- On Teams: The link will be sent the day before the office hours to those who have requested it.
An appointment must always be scheduled via email (fp.bianchi@uninsubria.it) by the Tuesday preceding the office hour; a confirmation of receipt will be sent (along with the link, if applicable).
Only students who have scheduled an appointment will be seen.
For in-person office hours, availability in the office cannot be guaranteed without an appointment.
Outside of the specified period, you may schedule an appointment by emailing fp.bianchi@uninsubria.it.
Degrees
Degrees
SCIENZE DELLA COMUNICAZIONE
Bachelor’s Degree
3 years
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