UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI ROMA TOR VERGATA
| Teacher: Prof. Daniele Arru |
| E-mail: daniele.arru@uniroma2.it |
| CFU: 6 Course code: 804002617 Degree: Master’s Degree “Scienze della Storia e del documento” Course delivery modalities: In-presence |
Language: Italian Pre-requisites: General knowledge of historical disciplines Attendance: Optional Assessment method: Oral examination |
| Period: 1st term |
| Starting day: |
| Class hours Monday, 4.oo – 6.00 p.m., T23A Tuesday, 4.oo – 6.00 p.m., Aula Roma Thursday, 4.oo – 6.00 p.m., Aula Roma |
| Program: |
| The course is divided into two parts. The first has as its object the study of ancient Italics religions, with particular attention to those professed by the Etruscans, the Osco-Umbrians, the Latins and the Romans. The investigation focuses on myths and rituals specific to them. The historical religious concept of “paganism” is then explored. The second part deepens the study of the category of “traditional religions”, especially applied to African and American religious traditions. |
| Text books: |
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| Bibliography: |
| Bibliographical references made in the adopted texts. |
| Educational goals and expected learning outcomes: |
| A) Learning Outcomes: The course aims to provide students with a set of knowledge, skills and competencies (cultural, disciplinary and methodological) which allow them to understand in a general way to ancient Italic religions considered in their historical development. The course then frames the historical-religious concept of “paganism”, also considered on the basis of contemporary experience. The concept of “traditional religions”, frequently used in recent years, is also framed, with particular reference to native African and American religions. B) Knowledge and Understanding: At the end of the course, the student will be able to know the historical development of the religions studied and to understand their distinctive characteristics and peculiarities. C) Applying Knowledge and Understanding: At the end of the course, the student will acquire the ability to apply the knowledge of the data received and the understanding of the same to the current reality of the religions considered, also from a comparative perspective, using the general criteria studied. D) Making Judgements: At the end of the course, the student will be able to formulate an independent personal judgement with respect to the subject studied, applying it to the many issues addressed. The student will have sufficient skill to integrate the acquired knowledge with broader and more general issues and to interpret them in relation to the context of the past and the current events. E) Communication Skills: At the end of the course, the student is able to clearly illustrate the major themes of the subject studied, highlighting the relevant points, using examples and an adequate lexicon. F) Learning Skills: At the end of the course, the students acquires the ability to learn new knowledge, based on the data acquired and the in-depth tools used in the same course. The student is able to establish connections and comparisons with realities different from those studied. |
| Methods and criteria for verifying the learning: |
| The exam assesses the student’s overall preparation, the ability to combine knowledge about each part of the syllabus, the coherence of argumentation, the analytical ability, and the autonomy of judgment. In addition, the student’s command of language and clarity of presentation are also assessed, in adherence with the Dublin descriptors (1. knowledge and understanding; 2. applying knowledge and experience; 3. making judgments; 4. learning skills; 5: communication skills). The final grade will be based 70% on the student’s depth of knowledge and 30% on the student’s ability for expression (written and oral) and independent critical thinking. The exam will be evaluated according to the following criteria: – Failed: significant deficiencies and inaccuracies in the knowledge and the understanding of the subject matter; poor analytical and synthesizing skills, recurrent generalizations, limited critical and judgmental skills; the arguments are exposed inconsistently and with inappropriate language. – 18-20: Knowledge and understanding of topics barely adequate, with occasional generalizations and imperfections possible; sufficient capacity for analysis synthesis and autonomy of judgment, the arguments are frequently exposed in an incoherent manner and with inappropriate/non technical language. – 21-23: Fair knowledge and understanding of the subject; proper analysis and synthesis skills with coherent, logical argumentation, but with language that is often inappropriate/non technical. – 24-26: Moderate knowledge and understanding of the subjects; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously but with language that is not always appropriate/technical. – 27-29: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subjects; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills. Good autonomy of judgment. Topics expounded rigorously and with appropriate/technical language. 30-30L: Excellent level of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Excellent skills in analysis, synthesis, and independent judgment. Arguments are expressed in an original way and with appropriate technical language. |
| Teaching methods: |
| Frontal lessons. An introductory part concerns the historical coordinates and the technical categories of reference (4 hours). A second part deals with the study of ancient Italic religions and the concept of “paganism” (13 hours). A third part focuses on “traditional religions”, with reference to some African and American religious experiences (13 hours). In the second and third parts the reading of sacred texts referring to the religions studied is foreseen. |
| Attendance modalities: |
| Previous year | Following year |