27848 - Philology of Cinema (1) (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

The course offers a framework related to the philology of cinema, starting from the traditional notions of textual criticism (ecdotica). At the end of the course students: - acquire knowledge of the historical-critical examination of film texts, especially those belonging to early Italian cinema; - are able to compare the texts analyzed with contemporary texts from other cinematography.

Course contents

The course provides the students with the theoretical and methodological tools needed to study a film according to a philological approach. Classical philology aims to "re-establish the original text” (restitutio textus) - i.e. a textual form that is closest to the one the author wanted and considered as “final” - through a series of operations and checks (recensio, selectio, emendatio...) that lead to what in literary studies is called “critical edition”. The course, on the other hand, deals with the specific issues that arise when the approach of classical philology is applied to film texts rather than to written texts. These issues include: the difficulty of establishing the “original version” of a film and identifying its “author”; the specificity of the analysis of a film and its paratexts; the potential richness of film variants (genetic, authorial, apocryphal); the access to both filmic and non-filmic sources. Moreover, the course deals with the issues connected to the fact that each film belongs to a specific period in the history of cinema (early cinema, silent films, sound films), which introduces a whole new set of problems and complicates things even further.

Readings/Bibliography

The list of texts to be studied for the exam will be available at the beginning of the course and will include both a mandatory section for all students and a specific section dedicated to non-attending students.

Teaching methods

Lectures featuring film excerpts and analysis of significant segments. Classes will be held in person (variations may apply due to unforeseen circumstances).

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview designed to assess knowledge of the topics covered in class and explored in greater depth in the texts listed in the syllabus (Bibliography and Filmography).

To pass the exam, students must demonstrate adequate knowledge and mastery of the topics discussed, as well as clarity of exposition and a solid command of language.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

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Teaching tools

Film screenings.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Dagrada