B3368 - Contemporary Italian Literature - 21st Century

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will be familiar with and able to analyse a selection of contemporary Italian literary texts produced in the 2000s. The texts will be related to the following themes: 1. Cultural industry and the transformation of the literary field; 2. Young writers; 3. Experimental poetry and prose; 4. Mass literature; 5. The quest for the Italian masterpiece of the 2000s; 6. The rise of women’s writing; 7. The new role of the authors within the media and social networks

Course contents

 

The Tree Faces of Melania G. Mazzucco: Investigations into a Writer

During the course, we will analyze several works by Melania G. Mazzucco, with the aim of identifying the themes that can be drawn from the entire body of work of a writer who has experimented with different styles, using historical research and imagination to produce novels with a strong documentary component. Particular emphasis will be placed on Mazzucco’s interest in art history and cinema. Excerpts from the texts will be read and analyzed during class sessions to help students understand one of the most fascinating creative expressions in Italian and European literature.

The course is held by Professor Bazzocchi but will involve lectures by other faculty members and external professors.

Attending students will follow the lecturer's interpretations and prepare the texts indicated in the Bibliography section of the program.

Students that won't attend the lectures will prepare the texts indicated in the Bibliography section of the program, placing a particular attention in the study of the manual: Cento anni di letteratura italiana, by M.A. Bazzocchi (Einaudi, 2021).

Others essays will be indicated during the lectures and uploaded on Virtuale among the downloadable contents of the course.

Students with DSA or permanent / temporary disabilities are invited to contact the appointed office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) and Professor Bazzocchi, in order to find the best ways for them to keep up with the course and prepare the exam.

Readings/Bibliography

Students will prepare the following texts:

Testi di Mazzucco:

1. Vita (Einaudi 2003)
2. La lunga attesa dell'angelo (Einaudi 2008, poi 2021)
3. Un giorno perfetto (Einaudi 2005)
4. Lei così amata (Einaudi 2012)
5. Il museo del mondo (Einaudi 2017)

Data la consistenza di alcuni romanzi, le studentesse e gli studenti sceglieranno la lettura integrale tra 1. 2. 4. DOvranno però conoscere quanto spiegato a lezione tra tutti i romanzi.

Saggi critici verranno forniti sui materiali on-line, e in parte desunti dalle lezioni

Teaching methods

The course is based on the reading, the analysis and the discussion of the literary texts in bibliography.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of a viva voce examination aiming to assess the knowledge and critical skills acquired by the candidate during the course.

1. First-class marks will be awarded to candidates who demonstrate an ability to analyse texts in depth and to produce an organic overview of the topics covered in the course. Overall mark between 27 and 30 cum laude (high linguistic ability is required).

2. A mostly mnemonic knowledge of the subject, analytical skills lacking depth, and correct but not always apposite expression will result in a modest mark. Overall mark between 23 and 26.

3. Elementary knowledge, superficial understanding, poor analytical skills, and inapposite expression will lead to a pass or only slightly higher mark. Overall mark between 18 and 22.

4. Gaps in the candidate’s knowledge, inapposite language, and inadequate engagement with the secondary literature offered in the course will result in a fail mark.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Antonio Bazzocchi