85097 - Romance Linguistics (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to introduce to the study of Romance languages in a comparative perspective, with particular attention for their differentiation and classification, starting from Latin model. At the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate the main features of Romance languages considered during lessons and to analyse specifical cases of phonological and morpho-syntactical evolution.

Course contents

The course consists of a single 30 hours module, divided in two parts, corresponding to 6 credits.

Lessons will start on November 8 2023.

Class schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5-7 PM.

Part 1. Introduction to romance linguistics

The first part of the course will provide basic notions about Romance linguistics, with a description of main features of Neo-Latin languages; special attention will be dedicated to the Italian area and to specifical elements which characterize Italian among other Romance languages. Romance languages will be introduced and analysed in a comparative and diachronic perspective, following their development since Vulgar Latin until modern era. Main phenomena concerning phonetics, morphology and syntax will be examined.

Part 2. Plurilingualism and language contacts in the Romance Middle Ages

The second part of the course will focus on the phenomena of contact between Romance languages in medieval literatures: samples of multilingual texts will be analysed, as well as works and manuscripts bearing traces of exchanges and influences between different Romance languages, with special attention to Italian, French and Occitan.

The course does not require a previous knowledge of other Romance languages, except Italian. A basic knowledge of Latin can be useful. Attendance is strongly recommended.

Readings/Bibliography

For the first part of the course, it is required to study P. Gresti, Introduzione alla linguistica romanza, Bologna, Pàtron, 2016,with class notes.

For the second part, the teacher will provide, through the Virtuale platform, texts in pdf which will be analysed and commented during lessons. It is also required to study two essays (articles, book chapters) chosen by students from those listed by the professor.

Non-attending students

Non-attending students will study Gresti's book and some texts uploaded on Virtuale for attending students, and they will add 8 essays (articles, book chapters) chosen by students from those listed by the professor.

Non-attending students are invited to contact the teacher.

Teaching methods

- Lectures and seminars;

- Philological reading and linguistic commentary of texts;

- Students can apply for specific bibliographies and specially set up workshops. There will be the possibility of individual tutoring.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

The student must demonstrate, with correctness and propriety of language, that he has studied all parts of the program.

Evaluation parameters:

• Insufficient vote: absence or strong lack of basic knowledge;
• Sufficient vote (18): possession of basic notions;
• Positive vote (from 19 to 25): possession of intermediate level of knowledge; sufficient capacity of connection between the different contents, essentially correct expression but with some imprecisions;
• More than positive vote (from 26 to 28): possessing good and articulated knowledge; correct language; discrete critical ability;
• Excellent vote (from 29 to 30L): possessing more than good knowledge; precision, maturity of expression and in-depth analysis; great autonomy in data re-elaboration and the ability to connect content. Honours will be given only to students who will demonstrate a complete and solid knowledge of the program, critical ability, autonomy and brilliant and organic exposition of acquired knowledge.

Teaching tools

Texts, documents, maps, images and video will be shared with students on the Virtuale platform and shown during lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Di Sabatino