67310 - Northern Literatures (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the classes the student will have theoretical and methodological instruments in order to know Nordic literatures.Nordic literatures it means literary expressions in Danish, Feroese, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish languages, from the very beginnings to the contemporary age. Due to the strong linguistic and cultural similitude, the classes will follow a comparatistic approach to Nordic literatures taking into account also other arts (painting, movie, music, etc.). The student will be able to know the most important social aspects of the Nordic culture which will be useful in a larger humanistic learning.

Course contents

1st Semester: (from 28th September) 30 hours (6 CFU)

Diversity between inclusion and exclusion.

Nordic society is considered one of the most tolerant and inclusive of the world, but this image does not fit exactly to reality. The Nordic world, computing few people, often experiences diversity as a problem and a danger rather than an enrichment. The course examines some topic works from the whole Nordic area (Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland) starting from the first half of the 19th century to the contemporary age. Through those texts, all analyzed in Italian translation, we will reflect on the concepts of social exclusion, breaking of the established order, attempts at coexistence and inclusion.

Readings/Bibliography

Works:

- Hans Christian Andersen, Il brutto anatroccolo, in Hans Christian Andersen, Fiabe e storie, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2012 (or any following edition), pp. .

- Selma Lagerlöf, L'imperatore di Portugallia, Milano, Iperborea (any edition).

- Knut Hamsun, Pan, Milano, Adelphi (any edition).

- Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Paradiso e inferno, Milano, Iperborea (any edition)

- Jan Sonnergaard, Sara, in Nordic Light. Antologia di giovani narratori scandinavi, Milano, Mondadori,2006, 81-122

- Sjón, La volpe azzurra. Skugga-Baldur. Una leggenda islandese, Milano, Mondadori, 2006

Critics:

- Storia delle letterature scandinave. Dalle origini a oggi, a cura di Massimo Ciaravolo, Milano, Iperborea, 2019, pp. 207-213; 254-258; 281-289; 341-347; 354-363; 621-629.

- Bruno Berni, Prefazione, in Hans Christian Andersen, Fiabe e storie, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2012, pp. XVII-XXVII.

- Vivi Edström, Selma Lagerlöf, Boston, Twayne Publishers, 1984, pp. 1-15 e 92-97.

- Harald Næss, Knut Hamsun, Boston, Twayne Publishers, 1984, pp. 1-27 e 48-56.

- other essays suggested by the teacher.

Not attending students:

To the previous bibliography must be added:

- Davidson, Peter, L'idea di Nord, Roma, Donzelli, 2005.

- Vivi Edström, Selma Lagerlöf, Boston, Twayne Publishers, 1984 (full reading).

- Harald Næss, Knut Hamsun, Boston, Twayne Publishers, 1984 (full reading).

Teaching methods

The course is on remote for the first 12 hours, afterwards it will be taught in classroom and on remote at the same time. Materials on internet and charged on IOL will be used.

Assessment methods

The exam consists inan oral interview. During the interview the methodological and critical skills acquired by the student willbe evaluated. The student will be invited to discuss the texts covered during the course andtomove within the sources and bibliographical material in order to be able to identify in them the useful information that will enableto illustrate the similarities and cultural areas of the discipline. The achievementof an organic vision of the issues addressed during the classes and theircritical use, which demonstrateownership of a mastery of expression and specific language, will be assessed with marks of excellence. Mechanical and / or mnemonic knowledge of matter, synthesis and analysis of non-articulating and / or correct language but not always appropriatewill lead to discrete assessments; training gaps and / or inappropriate language - although in a context of minimal knowledgeof the material - will lead to votes that will not exceed the sufficiency. Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of guidance within the reference materials offered during the course will lead to failed assessments.

Teaching tools

During the course, some audiovisual material will be used. Teaching material will be posted on the web platform of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Zironi