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 25th September) 30 hours (6 CFU)

Human relations

What connects us to others? What binds us to other people? These are two universal questions because they seek answers to the birth, survival and breakdown of human relationships. The question concerns family links, but also - and often with great resonance - friendship, affection and love. Does it subsist a way for relationships with others to be fulfilling, despite the obstacles they may encounter during the existence? The theme of the Nordic Literature course will be precisely to try to answer these questions by analysing some works from those literatures that can offer reflections on such an essential aspect of human life as the relationship with others. The course will deal with works and scripts from the different countries that make up the Nordic area. We will start with a short story by a Danish writer from the 19th century, which focuses on family relationships; we will then examine Henrik Ibsen's last drama, in many ways symbolist, but at the heart of which is the question of one's place in the world and connections with others. Then it will be the turn of the most important Swedish writer, Selma Lagerlöf, tackling her masterpiece in which the father-daughter link is central. We will then move on to Ingmar Bergman, director and screenwriter of an award-winning and highly topical film, and close with the wonderful novel by Iceland's most important and best-known living writer abroad, which will tell us about friendship, and not only.

Readings/Bibliography

Works:

- Jens Peter Jacobsen, La signora Fönss, Milano, Bompiani, 1943

- Henrik Ibsen, Quando noi morti ci destiamoo (qualsiasi edizione del testo teatrale)

- Selma Lagerlöf, L'imperatore di Portugallia, Milano, Iperborea,2008 (o altre ristampe)

-Ingmar Bergman, Il posto delle fragole, Milano, Iperborea, 2004

- Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Paradiso e inferno, Milano, Iperborea, 2011 (o qualsiasi altra ristampa)

Critical studies:

- Materials (video, powerpoint, ecc.) charged on Virtuale platform.

- Storia delle letterature scandinave. Dalle origini a oggi, a cura di Massimo Ciaravolo, Milano, Iperborea, 2019, pp. 281-292, 300-313, 341-347, 549-550, 578-579, 728-729.

- other essays charged on Virtuale by the teacher

Non attending students:

To the previous bibliography it must be added:

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

  - Scipio Slapater, Ibsen, (any edition)

Teaching methods

Front lessons. No recording of the lessons will be provided.

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