81792 - Didactics of Italian Literature (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to suggest the right didactic and academic resources for a given task related to Italian literature, from text analysis to literary history and the relationship between literature and society.

Course contents

The course offers a critical reflection on the teaching of literature, examining its foundations and goals both in light of the Indicazioni Nazionali and Linee Guida and according to the needs of today’s students.

It will focus in particular on the school and university literary canon: how it was created over time, the criteria used to select and transmit it in Italian schools, which authors and texts it favours or excludes, as well as recent critiques and proposals for updating it.

The course will also deal with specific teaching aspects, such as how to teach literary genres, text analysis, authors’ biographies, cultural movements, key moments in literary history, and the main themes of literary works. Lessons will also consider a reflection on teaching methods, both traditional and innovative, including the use of digital tools and new technologies.

Finally, the course will include testimonies and examples of good practices from research and teaching, with concrete examples, thematic paths, and workshop activities. These aim to help future teachers develop critical awareness and choose teaching strategies that match both the subject matter and the needs of different classes.

The lectures of the Third Mission project 'Tutti a scuola' will be an integral part of the teaching.

Readings/Bibliography

In addition to the lecture slides and the teaching materials uploaded to the Virtuale platform, attending students are required to choose two books from Group A and one book from Group B. Non-attending students are required to choose two books from Group A and two books from Group B.

Group A

E. Ardissino (ed.), Insegnare italiano nella scuola secondaria, Milano, Mondadori, 2018.

R. Carnero, Il bel viaggio. Insegnare alla generazione Z, Milano, Bompiani, 2020.

S. Giusti, Didattica della letteratura italiana: la storia, le ricerche, le pratiche, Roma, Carocci, 2023.

A. Manganaro, Per la didattica della letteratura italiana, Acireale-Roma, Bonanno, 2020.

G. Ruozzi, G. Tellini (eds.), Didattica della letteratura italiana, Milano, Mondadori, 2020.

C. Spaliviero, Educazione letteraria e didattica della letteratura, Venezia, Edizioni Ca’ Foscari – Digital Publishing, 2020.

E. Zinato, Insegnare letteratura. Teorie e pratiche per una didattica indocile, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2022.

Group B

G. Armellini, Come e perché insegnare letteratura, Bologna, Zanichelli, 1997.

G. Armellini, La letteratura in classe. L'educazione letteraria e il mestiere dell'insegnare, Milano, Unicopli, 2008.

C. Anelli, A scuola di Novecento. La letteratura italiana del XX secolo nella manualistica scolastica (1923–2023), Palermo, Palumbo, 2025.

G. M. Anselmi, Il mondo e le sue parole. Un'idea di letteratura, Roma, Carocci, 2026.

G. M. Anselmi, F. Tomasi, I passaggi e la cronologia ragionata della letteratura italiana, Bologna, Pàtron, 2021.

L. Curreri, L. Rodler (eds.), Comunicare la letteratura. Un vivace Abc. Illustrazioni di Giuseppe Palumbo, Milano, Le Monnier Università, 2026.

S. Giusti, La lettura a scuola. Le teorie, l'insegnamento, la scelta delle opere, Roma, Carocci, 2026.

R. Luperini, Insegnare la letteratura oggi, Lecce, Manni, 2013.

S. Marsi, Il racconto del passato. La formazione del canone letterario italiano tra programmi ministeriali, manuali scolastici e storiografia letteraria (1861–1945), Torino, Loescher, 2024.

R. Mordenti, Didattica della letteratura italiana, Roma, Euroma – La Goliardica, 1997.

E. Raimondi, Letteratura e identità nazionale, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 1998.

L. Rodler, Con altre parole. La divulgazione umanistica, Venezia, Marsilio, 2023.

C. Ruozzi, Raccontare la scuola. Testi, autori e forme del secondo Novecento, Torino, Loescher, 2014.

Teaching methods

The course will include both lectures and discussions, with the goal of creating ways to teach literature based on texts, authors, themes, and literary genres. There will also be time to think about teaching methods for literature, using ideas and experiences shared by university professors and teachers from different school levels. Some lessons will be held as part of the Third Mission project 'Tutti a scuola', which will include group activities for those who wish to participate.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral test.

Grades are awarded on a 30-point scale and are based not only on the clarity and effectiveness of the student's oral presentation, but also on the quality of preparation and the analytical skills demonstrated in support of the arguments presented. In addition to assessing the quantity and accuracy of the information provided, the examination will evaluate the student's ability to explain concepts in depth, justify interpretations, establish connections among topics, and integrate knowledge drawn from the different course readings.

Fail: No answer, incorrect or insufficient answers, or an overall superficial understanding of the course content.

18–19: Basic knowledge, sometimes somewhat unclear or confused.

20–22: General knowledge, though not explored in sufficient depth.

23–24: Fair overall knowledge and/or uneven quality of the answers provided.

25–26: Good overall knowledge, with some minor shortcomings (e.g. missing details or inaccuracies).

27–28: Consistently sound and well-assimilated knowledge across the topics covered.

29–30: Extensive and accurate knowledge, combined with the ability to analyse and critically elaborate on the course content.

30 with honours (30 cum laude): Comprehensive mastery of the subject, excellent analytical and critical skills, and the ability to offer original insights.

Students may take the examination only after the conclusion of the teaching period.

To sit the examination, students must register through AlmaEsami within the prescribed deadlines. Students who are unable to register because of technical issues are required to report the problem immediately to the Academic Office. The instructor reserves the right to admit or refuse admission to students who are not included on the official examination list.

Skipping an examination session is not permitted.

Erasmus students or those from other international exchange programs will have the opportunity to arrange a customized program.

Students with DSA (Specific Learning Disabilities) or temporary or permanent disabilities: It is recommended that students contact the responsible university office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any adjustments for interested students, which must be submitted for the professor’s approval at least 15 days in advance. The professor will assess their appropriateness in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Regarding learning assessments, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Slides and  teaching materials will be uploaded on Virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Giacomo Ventura