30931 - Italian Literature 1 (GR. C)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has a good understanding of the Italian literary tradition, knows the fundamental issues of the critical discussion about the authors and texts and is able to use the main methods of analysis of texts and contexts; he has also acquired the ability of adequately expressing himself in writing.

Course contents

The course, divided into two parts, is dedicated to surveys in literature from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The first module has a general character (evolution and development of Italian literature from the 13th to the 16th century) with in-depth studies of Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron (10 novels) and Dante's Inferno (10 cantos). The second module is dedicated to the reading of Machiavelli,Verga, Capuana and Vassalli

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

Students will read: Italian Literature.1 Dalle origini al Seicento, edited by Andrea Battistini, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014( vol 1: the parts on Dante, pp. 79-123; Boccaccio, pp. 165-189; Machiavelli, pp. 317-331).
It is required to read the following sections and novellas of the Decameron, in a recent annotated edition: Proemio; Introduction; I, 1; II 7; III 1; V, 4; VI 1, 3 e 7; VII 5; X 1; Conclusion by the author.
The text, without notes and commentary, is available on the following websites:
www.letteraturaitaliana.net/gli authors/Boccaccio Giovanni/Decameron
www.liberliber.it/Autori/Boccaccio, Giovanni/Decameron www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/

The study of the following critical texts is also required:

F. Bausi, Leggere il "Decameron", Bologna, il Mulino, 2017;For the Dante section, the study of ten cantos of Dante Alighieri's Inferno is required (cantos I, III, V, X, XIII, XV, XIX, XXVI, XXVII, XXXIII). A recent annotated edition is recommended. Among the editions on the market, we recommend one of the following (also in reprint): E. Pasquini-A. Quaglio, Milan, Garzanti, 1988; B. Garavelli, M. Corti, Milan, Bompiani, 1994; A.M. Chiavacci Leonardi, Milan, Mondadori, 2007; G. Inglese, Rome, Carocci, 2007; C. Ossola, Venice, Marsilio, 2021; R. Mercuri, Turin, Einaudi, 2021.
The text, without notes, is also available at: https://www.danteonline.it/index.html; https://dante.dartmouth.edu/; http://www.bibliotecaitaliana.it/

Module 2

N. Machiavelli, Mandragola, edited by G. Davico Bonino, Milan, BUR Rizzoli, 2013; G. Verga, Storia di una Capinera, Milan, Feltrinelli, 2011 or any other edition; L. Capuana, Un caso di sonnambulismo in Novelle del mondo occulto, edited by A. Cedola, Bologna, Pendragon, 2007, pp. 79-98; S. Vassalli, La chimera, Turin, Einaudi, 1990.

There will also be a theatrical reading of selected parts of the Decameron by Irene Guadagnini

Non attending students are required to do the same readings and to study the same bibliography of attending students.

Teaching methods

The course will be divided in frontal lessons and laboratories on the texts.

 

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a face-to-face interview on the course topics.

Those students who are able to demonstrate a wide and systematic understanding of the issues covered during the lessons, are able to use these critically and who master the field-specific language of the discipline will be given a mark of excellence.

Those students who demonstrate a mnemonic knowledge of the subject with a more superficial analytical ability and ability to synthesize, a correct command of the language but not always appropriate, will be given a ‘fair' mark.

A superficial knowledge and understanding of the material, a scarce analytical and expressive ability that is not always appropriate will be rewarded with a pass mark or just above a pass mark.

Students who demonstrate gaps in their knowledge of the subject matter, inappropriate language use, lack of familiarity with the literature in the programme bibliography will not be given a pass mark.

AI can be a useful tool to support independent study with
in-depth analysis, summaries and self-assessment exercises. As regards the assessment
of learning, the use of AI is prohibited during face-to-face examinations. Any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

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.

Any requests for adjustments must be made within 15 days of the exam date by sending an e-mail to the lecturer and including the e-mail address disabilita@unibo.it in Cc.

Teaching tools

Audio and video aids may be used in support of lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Lara Michelacci