04177 - Sociology of Literature

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student possess basic knowledge about the functioning of the literary institutions, regarding the text and context nexus, the dynamics of literary communication and its political, ideological, socio-economic and editorial influence. The student will be able to use the main forms of study of the sociology of literature, with a particular focus on the thematic and sociological components of literary texts.

Course contents

“I would prefer not to”. TRAMPLING MIGRANTS’ BREAD

Over the past few years, protests and attacks against migrants have multiplied. During one of these violent incidents, a group of agitators stole and then crushed a load of bread aimed for a Romani community. Indeed Italy, often described as a nation “invaded” by immigrants, is no longer a mono-dimensional country where geographic boundaries and national identity coincide. In the cultural sphere, the cross-contamination between new identities and cultures has given rise to a flourishing literary production, remarkable for both its size and quality.

In these works, food acquires a symbolic and cultural value for characters torn between home-sickness and the desire to experience their new country, between unexpected flavors and the longing for well-known recipes. The same “culinary uneasiness” marked the experience of thousands of Italian immigrants, who reacted to it by creating a sort of mythical national cuisine.

This course focuses on the close-reading of literary texts composed in Italian by both “old” and “new” migrants, who describe a culinary métissage where globally-known dishes like pizza and couscous, spaghetti and kebab – just as the simple act of eating together – constitute a tasty antidote against prejudice, as well as an effective means of meeting other people and enjoying diversity.

 

Readings/Bibliography

The complete reading list in the italian syllabus.

Teaching methods

Lectures in Italian.

The 60-hour course will take place in the 1^st Semester starting from 1 October 2019 in Via Zamboni 38.

Tuesdays         5-7 p.m. Aula Tibiletti

Wednesdays    5-7 p.m. Aula II

Fridays             3-5 p.m. Aula II

Assessment methods

Students will be assessed by oral examination.

The evaluation of the competences acquired during the course consists of an oral interview which has the aim of appraising the students’ critical and methodological abilities. Students will be invited to discuss the texts included in the teaching programme. Students will have to show an appropriate knowledge of the bibliography detailed in the reading list.

Top marks will be awarded to students showing a wide and systematic understanding of the issues covered in class, but also capable of using these notions critically to elaborate clear and relevant analyses through an appropriate vocabulary.

Average marks will be awarded to students showing a mostly mnemonic knowledge of the subject matter, a moderate ability to summarize and elaborate on key topics and using a correct vocabulary, though not always relevant.

A superficial knowledge and understanding of the primary sources and related bibliography, accompanied by scarce analytical and expressive competences, will be rewarded with a pass mark or just above.

Students showing significant gaps in their knowledge of the subject matter and related bibliography and/or expressing in a confused and inappropriate way will not be given a pass mark.

Teaching tools

Video projector, overhead projector, videos, web resources.

Meetings with migrant writers and intellectuals.

Office hours

See the website of Fulvio Pezzarossa