Descriptive geography and utopic literarture: the books of the islands
Course Content
During the course we will analyze texts (like Diodorus V) which contain a “catalogue raisonné” of islands. We will analyze also the role played by islands in the utopian hellenistic literarture
Diodorus of Sicily, Library (Book V )
Strabo, Geography (Selected texts)
Plinius, Naturalis historia (Selected texts).
Learning Objectives
The course aims to introduce students in the history of the geographical thought trough the study of ancient sources (Diodorus, Strabo..). In particular students should utilize a critical approach to the ancient tradition and to the modern historiography
Discussion on greek and latin texts and on modern interpretation is intended to the maturity of the students. They will take an active part in the course trough individual investigations to develop an indipendent thought and a debating ability.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of Greek and Latin.
Teaching Methods
Lectures with frequent discussions.
Type of Assessment
The final exam aims to ascertain the acquisition of knowledge and skills through an oral discussion on the texts in Greek and Latin analyzed during the lessons. Through the study of recommended texts and related to different themes dealt, the student will demonstrate to have acquired the skills required for an university level of knowledge of the historical geography of the ancient world. In particular, will be evaluated student's ability to contextualize and to analyze critically, through the ancient sources, the ancient geographical thought
Course program
C.Jacob, L’empire des cartes, Paris 1992.
P. Janni, La mappa e il periplo, Roma 1984.
F. Prontera, Geografia e geografi nel mondo antico, Roma-Bari 1983