28129 - Italian Drama and Theatre Literature (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is familiar with the movements and problems of Italian theatre literature. He/she acquires the ability to analyse texts in relation to forms and functions of dialogue and caption. He/she understands the relationship between the literary text, the dramatic text and its staging, paying particular attention to the indications for extra-textual elements (set design, lighting, music) contained in the modern dramatic text.

Course contents

The course will examine Italian dramatic literature from the eighteenth century to the contemporary era: starting with the emergence of a dramatic writing style that—following the sixteenth-century revival modeled on Plautine theater and Boccaccian storytelling—began to engage with reality (with forms foreshadowing bourgeois comedy and drama already present in certain texts by Goldoni), the course will proceed to analyze selected contemporary works that exemplify genres or dramaturgical conventions characteristic of the late twentieth century or the new millennium.

Readings/Bibliography

SYLLABUS FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS

a. Anthology and Textbook (mandatory for all students, both attending and non-attending)

Anthology: Nicola Bonazzi-Sebastiana Nobili-Luca Vaccaro, Letteratura e teatro. Antologia di testi dal Medioevo all’età contemporanea, Bologna, Pàtron, 2026 (from p. 105 to p. 217 with related online expansions).
Textbook: S. Morando, La letteratura teatrale italiana. Il testo drammatico e la sua storia dal Medioevo al Novecento, Roma, Carocci, 2023, from p. 223 to p. 382.

b. Lecture notes made available with illustrative sheets and PowerPoint presentations on the virtuale.unibo.it platform

c. Three of the following works will also be required to be read in full:
Carlo Goldoni, La locandiera
Carlo Goldoni, Le smanie per la villeggiatura
Vittorio Alfieri, Saul
Vittorio Alfieri, Mirra
Alessandro Manzoni, Adelchi
Luigi Pirandello, Sei personaggi in cerca d’autore
Luigi Pirandello, Enrico IV
Eduardo de Filippo, Natale in casa Cupiello
Pier Paolo Pasolini, Affabulazione
Dario Fo, Mistero buffo
Giovanni Testori, Macbetto (dalla Trilogia degli scarrozzanti)

SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
The program for non-attending students includes, in addition to the program for attending students, one reading chosen from the following:
S. Ferrone, La vita e il teatro di Carlo Goldoni, Venezia, Marsilio, 2011
A. Di Benedetto-V. Perdichizzi, Alfieri, Roma, Salerno, 2014
B. Alfonzetti-V. Gallo, Pirandello, Roma, Carocci, 2025 (solo i capp. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10)

SYLLABUS FOR STUDENTS WITH SLD (Specific Learning Disorders):

Students with SLD or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) well in advance. That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students concerned; these proposals must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days beforehand, so that the instructor can assess their suitability in light of the course's learning objectives

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Video screenings and discussion.

PowerPoint presentations.

The classes are not designed merely to explain the required texts or to present teaching methodologies applied to dramatic literature; rather, they serve as examples of reflection on the texts (drawing on the knowledge and analytical approaches outlined in the required readings) and of the collaborative construction of interpretive hypotheses based on the reading of the plays.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral.

Grading criteria:

Grades (on a scale of 30) will be based on the clarity of the oral presentation, as well as the quality of study and the reasoning skills underlying the arguments provided. In addition to assessing the quantity and quality of information offered, the evaluation will consider the ability to provide in-depth explanations, justify points, and connect knowledge across the various texts.

Fail: no answers, incorrect or insufficient answers, overall superficiality

18–19: basic knowledge, sometimes slightly confused

20–22: broad but not in-depth knowledge

23–24: fair overall knowledge and/or inconsistent quality of answers

25–26: good overall knowledge with some imperfections (missing data, inaccuracies, etc.)

27–28: consistent grasp of well-assimilated knowledge

29–30: breadth and precision of knowledge demonstrated, ability to synthesize and re-elaborate information

30 cum laude: comprehensive knowledge, ability to synthesize and re-elaborate information, original insights.

The exam may only be taken after classes have concluded.

To take the exam, students must register via Almaesami, strictly adhering to the established deadlines. Students unable to register due to technical issues should immediately notify the academic office. The instructor reserves the right to decide whether or not to admit students who are not on the official registration list.

For students with specific learning disabilities (SLD)

Students with SLD or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) well in advance. That office will propose any necessary accommodations to the students; however, these proposals must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days beforehand, so that the instructor can assess their suitability in light of the course's learning objectives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool for independent study, facilitating in-depth analysis, summarization, and self-assessment activities. However, regarding the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited during in-person exams. Any use of AI in such a context constitutes a violation of academic integrity

Teaching tools

Course materials will be made available on the Virtual Learning Environment platform at https://virtuale.unibo.it

For office hours, please consult the lecturer's website. Office hours Visit Nicola Bonazzi's website

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Bonazzi