SCIENZE UMANISTICHEComparative Literature and LanguagesAcademic Year 2022/2023
1010865 - SEMITIC PHILOLOGY A - Z
Teacher: MARCO MORIGGI
Expected Learning Outcomes
1) Knowledge of the most important issues related to the topic “Middle
Aramaic”; 2) knowledge and comprehension of cultural phenomena related to Northern
Mesopotamia in Late Antiquity (1st-7th cent. AD); 3) development of advanced
reading and interpretative skills of texts in Syriac in both synchronic
and diachronic perspectives; 4) communicative skills enabling the student to spread knowledge and
expertise in both specialist and non-specialist contexts; 5) development of
learning capacities leading to a totally autonomous and self-directed study (Dublin
Descriptors 2nd cycle qualification).
Course Structure
Class lectures
Lectures will be taught in English
Required Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of a Semitic language (1st gradute level). Knowledge of the history and documentary evidence of the Semitic languages from 3rd millenium BC to the present day.
Attendance of Lessons
Optional
Detailed Course Content
1) Edessa: Syriac in Late-Antique Aramaic continuum.
2) History
of Mar Yahballaha e Rabban Sauma.
Textbook Information
- A. Bausi et al. (eds.), Comparative
Oriental Manuscript Studies. An Introduction (Hamburg: Verlag Tredition,
2015), 252-266, 435-439.
- P.G. Borbone (ed.), History
of Mar Yahballaha and Rabban Sauma (Hamburg: Verlag Tredition,
2021), 1-52, 69-79, 96-107, 111-119, 143-159, 187-229.
- A. Rigolio, Syriac, in J.B. Lande & D. Feeney
(eds.), How Literatures Begin (Princeton
& Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2021), 167-190.
- T. Muraoka,
Classical Syriac (Wiesbaden:
Harrassowitz, 2005).
Texts
are found in the STUDIUM web platform (access reserved to students).
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References |
1 | Semitic philology and Syriac: intersections of language and history. | Rigolio 2021 |
2 | The trip of Rabban Sauma and Mar Yahballaha to Jerusalem I | Borbone 2021 |
3 | The trip of Rabban Sauma and Mar Yahballaha to Jerusalem II | Borbone 2021 |
4 | The trip of Rabban Sauma and Mar Yahballaha to Jerusalem III | Borbone 2021 |
5 | Rabban Sauma in Constantinopolis. | Borbone 2021 |
6 | Rabban Sauma in Rome I | Borbone 2021 |
7 | Rabban Sauma in Rome II | Borbone 2021 |
8 | Rabban Sauma in France. | Borbone 2021 |
9 | Mar Yahballaha and the persecution of the Christians in Maragha I | Borbone 2021 |
10 | Mar Yahballaha and the persecution of the Christians in Maragha II | Borbone 2021 |
11 | Mar Yahballaha and the persecution of the Christians in Maragha III | Borbone 2021 |
12 | Mar Yahballaha and the persecution of the Christians in Maragha IV | Borbone 2021 |
13 | The massacre of Arbil's Christians I | Borbone 2021 |
14 | The massacre of Arbil's Christians II | Borbone 2021 |
15 | The massacre of Arbil's Christians III | Borbone 2021 |
16 | The massacre of Arbil's Christians IV | Borbone 2021 |
17 | Textual critic and Syriac texts | Bausi et al. 2015 |
18 | Syriac grammar: a summary based on the texts presented in the course. | Muraoka 2005 |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Oral examinations will consist in a discussion
of the contents of the course aimed at checking knowledge, reading skills of
the texts and contextualization of their contents in the respective historical
and linguistic frameworks.
Exams’
typology may be subject to change according to emergencies and/or other
concurring events.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1) Read with correct vocalisation a section of
the Syriac text and comment it from the point of view of its grammatical
characteristics.
2) Translate a section of the Syriac text and set it
in its context from the point of view of text’s plot and syntax.
Versione in italiano