02609 - Contemporary Italian Literature

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student has acquired a working knowledge of wide areas of twentieth-century literary history, with special emphasis on the relation between literature and historical, social, anthropological, and more broadly cultural phenomena. Study is assisted by secondary literature and face-to-face tuition and covers close reading of the text as well as problems of form, structure, composition, and reception.

Course contents

Beginnings: forms of palingenesis (1939-1962)

Between the end of the Second World War and the beginning of the economic “boom”, the transition unfolded from the dramatic derailments of the Fascist regime to a form of democracy which, while disregarding the most radical proposals to redefine the entire value system shaped by the Resistance, nonetheless seemed to herald a progressive renewal of Italian society. In those years, it appeared essential to come to terms with Fascism: with the Spanish Civil War and the racial laws, with the tragic alliance with Hitler and the Allied bombings, with the Nazi occupation and the Republic of Salò, with the civil war and the Liberation; and, finally, with the urgent need to rebuild the national territory, devastated by the hostilities. This historical arc marks the end of one era and the beginning of another. And in the intentions of those who had fiercely opposed Fascism, a new beginning and a new origin were to be founded upon the ashes of the past. To achieve this, however, it was necessary to rethink that past, to truly rework it, and not merely to rely on the idea that the two years of Resistance had swept away the guilt of two decades of dictatorship, allowing all Italians to redeem themselves.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography: 

The 1940s – The Myth

1. T. Landolfi, La pietra lunare. Scene della vita di provincia (1939), Milano, Adelphi, 1995.
2. R. Bilenchi, Conservatorio di Santa Teresa (1941), Milano, Bur, 2018.
   
3. C. Pavese, Paesi tuoi (1941), Milano, Rizzoli, 2021.
   
4. C. Levi, Cristo si è fermato a Eboli (1945), Torino, Einaudi, 2025.

The 1950s – Between Myth and History

1. P.P. Pasolini, Ragazzi di vita (1955), Milano, Garzanti, 2014.
2. G. Bassani, Cinque storie ferraresi (1956), Milano, Feltrinelli, 2016.
3. E. Morante, L'isola di Arturo (1957), Torino, Einaudi, 2014.
4. P. Volponi, Memoriale (1962), Torino, Einaudi, 2021.

 

vd. virtuale

For the general framework of the course modules, mandatory for all students:

R. Gasperina Geroni, Ricominciare, in corso di pubblicazione (aprile 2025).

For not-attendant students:

M.A. Bazzocchi (a cura di), Cento anni di letteratura: 1910-2010, Torino, Einaudi 2021:

• R. Gasperina Geroni, Realismo e conflitti, pp. 143-184;
• M.A. Bazzocchi, Fuori dal realismo, pp. 185-220;

 

Teaching methods

The course takes place in person, and the lectures will not be recorded. Classes are based on the reading, analysis, and discussion of the literary and non-literary texts included in the syllabus. Active participation in class is expected from all students. The instructor will provide a detailed schedule of the lessons. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to read the literary texts before class in order to participate actively in the discussions.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of a viva voce examination aiming to assess the knowledge and critical skills acquired by the candidate during the course.

1. First-class marks will be awarded to candidates who demonstrate an ability to analyse texts in depth and to produce an organic overview of the topics covered in the course. Overall mark between 27 and 30 cum laude (high linguistic ability is required).

2. A mostly mnemonic knowledge of the subject, analytical skills lacking depth, and correct but not always apposite expression will result in a modest mark. Overall mark between 23 and 26.

3. Elementary knowledge, superficial understanding, poor analytical skills, and inapposite expression will lead to a pass or only slightly higher mark. Overall mark between 18 and 22.

4. Gaps in the candidate’s knowledge, inapposite language, and inadequate engagement with the secondary literature offered in the course will result in a fail mark.

During the 2025/26 academic year, exam sessions are scheduled in the following months: October, December, January, May, June, and September.

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.

 

Teaching tools

Students are requested to register on the course page on the virtuale.unibo.it platform (active from 7 September), which will be the tool used by the teacher for communications, notices and to provide additional teaching material.

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Gasperina Geroni

See the website of Massimiliano Cappello