Ancient literature from Homer to Petrarch

In this course, you explore ancient and medieval European literature from Homer to Petrarch, with a focus on key literary genres and their development. You gain a historical overview of how texts have been produced, transmitted, and interpreted from antiquity to the Renaissance. Through the study of genre-defining works and seminar discussions, you deepen your understanding of literary forms, authors, and intertextual relationships. You analyse how genres evolve over time and how texts influence one another across historical periods. The course equips you with the tools to describe and interpret premodern literature and to situate it within the broader context of Western cultural history. You also develop your ability to reflect on the significance of literature across time. The course is delivered through lectures and seminars.