28929 - Sociology of Literature (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze examples of social interaction in different contexts, using the conversation analysis and discursive psychology methodologies. Students will learn to analyze interpersonal communication, addressing both verbal and gestural behaviors (gestures, gazes, body postures).

Course contents

From Silvia to Aisha: new italian identities.

 

As many other countries, even the Italian society – result of invasions and genetic and cultural exchanges – is crossed by spectres of racism, which emerge in evident ways in the anti-Islamic prejudices, in football events, in continuous aggressions – physical and verbal – towards those who are declared different and inferior just for the colour of their skin or for religious choices and cultural references.

Severe prejudices affect the numerous foreigners living in our country and their children, expression of a new Italian identity, open to internationalism and to the cultural exchange; deprived of fundamental citizenship rights because of legislative gap, these new Italians suffer the effects of a racist, persistent and aggressive cultural imagery – result of colonialism and supported by the xenophobic movements of the present.

The course aims to focus on the rich literature created by new migrant authors, especially by second generations, together with the analysis of the impact of racist phenomena and the possible paths of openness to diversity and transformation in Italian society.

Readings/Bibliography

Please see the reading list in Italian.

 

Students from foreign Universities can contact Professor Pezzarossa to define an ad hoc programme.

Teaching methods

Lectures in Italian.

The 30-hour course will take place in the 1st Semester starting from 9 November 2020.

Lectures will be held online.

 

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the students' competencies and abilities acquired during the course consists in an oral interview which has the aim of evaluating the critical and methodological ability of the students. The students will be invited to discuss the tests on the course programme. The student must demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the bibliography in the course programme.

Those students who are able to demonstrate a wide and systematic understanding of the issues covered during the lessons, are able to use these critically and who master the field-specific language of the discipline will be given a mark of excellence.

Those students who demonstrate a mnemonic knowledge of the subject with a more superficial analytical ability and ability to synthesize, a correct command of the language but not always appropriate, will be given a ‘fair' mark.

A superficial knowledge and understanding of the material, a scarce analytical and expressive ability that is not always appropriate will be rewarded with a pass mark or just above a pass mark.

Students who demonstrate gaps in their knowledge of the subject matter, inappropriate language use, lack of familiarity with the literature in the programme bibliography will not be given a pass mark.

Teaching tools

Video projector, overhead projector, videos, web resources.

Meetings with migrant writers and intellectuals.

Office hours

See the website of Fulvio Pezzarossa