02609 - Contemporary Italian Literature

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student has acquired a working knowledge of wide areas of twentieth-century literary history, with special emphasis on the relation between literature and historical, social, anthropological, and more broadly cultural phenomena. Study is assisted by secondary literature and face-to-face tuition and covers close reading of the text as well as problems of form, structure, composition, and reception.

Course contents

Pier Paolo Pasolini, “più moderno di ogni moderno”?

Pier Paolo Pasolini (Bologna, 1922 – Ostia, 1975) is widely regarded as one of the foremost intellectuals and artists of the twentieth century. A poet, novelist, filmmaker, and essayist, he engaged with the profound transformations of post-war Italy through a body of work that combines artistic innovation, critical reflection, and civic engagement. Through the close reading of some of his most significant works, this course aims to trace the development of his thought and artistic production within the broader context of contemporary Italian culture.

The first module focuses on Pasolini's formative years and on the works that shaped his distinctive poetics. Particular attention will be devoted to his engagement with existentialism, the influence of the art historian Roberto Longhi, and the concepts of the primitive and the originary, examining their significance in his early poetry, fiction, and films.

The second module turns to Pasolini's mature works, in which his reflections on contemporary society are inseparably linked to literary experimentation and to a radical critique of late capitalist society.

 

Readings/Bibliography

«Lo scandalo del contraddirmi». Tra il Friuli e Roma - Module I

Poetry

A selection of texts from:

La meglio gioventù (1954)
Le ceneri di Gramsci (1957)
L’usignolo della Chiesa Cattolica (1958)

Essays

A selection of texts from:

Passione e ideologia (1960)

Fiction

Amado mio (1982, postumo)
Ragazzi di vita (1955)

Cinema

• Accattone (1961)

«Non c’è riparo». The Late Pasolini - Module II

Poetry

una scelta di testi da:

Poesia in forma di Rosa (1964)
Trasumanar e organizzar (1971)

Essays

A selection of texts from:

Empirismo eretico (1972)
Scritti corsari (1975, postumo)

Fiction

La Divina Mimesis (1975, postumo)
Petrolio (1992, postumo)

Theatre and Cinema

Porcile (1967, postumo; 1969)

Historical and Cultural Background:

 R. Gasperina Geroni, Ricominciare. Classici della letteratura italiana (1939-1962), Einaudi, Torino 2025.

General Introduction to the Author

 P. Desogus, In difesa dell’umano. Pasolini tra passione e ideologia, La Nave di Teseo, Milano 2025.

Students who do not attend classes are required to read the following additional volume:

 M.A. Bazzocchi, Alfabeto Pasolini, Carocci, Roma 2022.

 

Teaching methods

The course takes place in person, and the lectures will not be recorded. Classes are based on the reading, analysis, and discussion of the literary and non-literary texts included in the syllabus. Active participation in class is expected from all students. The instructor will provide a detailed schedule of the lessons. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to read the literary texts before class in order to participate actively in the discussions.

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.

During the 2025/26 academic year, exam sessions are scheduled in the following months: October, December, January, May, June, and September.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

 

Teaching tools

Students are requested to register on the course page on the virtuale.unibo.it platform (active from 7 September), which will be the tool used by the teacher for communications, notices and to provide additional teaching material.

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Gasperina Geroni

See the website of Massimiliano Cappello