Comparative Literature
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The learning objective of this course is to give the students a general overview of Comparative Literature and Literary Theory; these theoretical skills shall be exemplified also by the analysis of specific authors, texts or themes.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will know the general principles of Comparative Literature and Literary Theory. Students will also be able to understand and examine the texts that are taken into account in the monographic section of the course, discussing their theoretical and historical-literary features. Furthermore, students will acquire the ability to deal with interpretative problems, showing awareness of the different methodological perspectives, and making use of the provided bibliography.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
If the health situation will make it possible, lessons will be held mainly in class, and streamed at the same time. Students will find all the information for attending the lessons in the Ariel site of the course, where they will find also any other information about changes regarding the plan of the course, bibliography, and so on. If it will not be possible to sustain the exam as laid down in this Syllabus, it will be carried out online (all the information will be published in the Ariel site of the course at the end of the lessons).
Course syllabus
The course will focus on Erich Auerbach, and, more specifically, on two of his most important works: "Mimesis" (1946) and "Philologie der Weltliteratur" (1952). It will deal with these main subjects:
- Section A will offer an overall introduction to the principles of Comparative Literature and Literary Theory (with a particular focus on Auerbach's contribution to the development of these disciplines).
- Section B will focus on some of the chapters of "Mimesis", and will investigate the issues related to the various literary texts that Auerbach analyzes in those chapters.
- Section C will focus on the "exceeding" of "Mimesis"' Eurocentric and diachronic perspective that Auerbach carried out in "Philologie der Weltliteratur"; special attention will be paid to the historical and geopolitical background of this essay.
- Section A will offer an overall introduction to the principles of Comparative Literature and Literary Theory (with a particular focus on Auerbach's contribution to the development of these disciplines).
- Section B will focus on some of the chapters of "Mimesis", and will investigate the issues related to the various literary texts that Auerbach analyzes in those chapters.
- Section C will focus on the "exceeding" of "Mimesis"' Eurocentric and diachronic perspective that Auerbach carried out in "Philologie der Weltliteratur"; special attention will be paid to the historical and geopolitical background of this essay.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Class lessons are the prevailing teaching method; they include also the use of digital teaching materials that are made available on the Ariel platform. Students will also be required to discuss collectively in class the subjects treated during the lessons.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the teacher in order to arrange an apposite plan for exam preparation.
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the teacher in order to arrange an apposite plan for exam preparation.
Teaching Resources
The reference textbook is:
S. Sini e F. Sinopoli (a cura di), "Percorsi di teoria e comparatistica letteraria", Milano, Pearson, 2021 (it will be published before the beginning of the lessons). Students will read the whole book, and will study the chapters that will be specified.
Reference bibliography for the monographic teaching units of the course consists of:
1) Section B: Complete reading of E. Auerbach, "Mimesis. Dargestellte Wirchlichkeit in der abendländischen Literatur", Bern, Francke, 1946, in its Italian translation: E. Auerbach, "Mimesis. Il realismo nella letteratura occidentale", con un saggio di A. Roncaglia, Torino, Einaudi, 1956 (and subsequent reprints); a specific bibliography related to the chapters of the book read in class will be made available in the Ariel site of the course.
2) Section C: E. Auerbach, "Philologie der Weltliteratur/Filologia della letteratura mondiale", a cura di E. Salvaneschi, Ro Ferrarese, Book Editore, 2006.
S. Sini e F. Sinopoli (a cura di), "Percorsi di teoria e comparatistica letteraria", Milano, Pearson, 2021 (it will be published before the beginning of the lessons). Students will read the whole book, and will study the chapters that will be specified.
Reference bibliography for the monographic teaching units of the course consists of:
1) Section B: Complete reading of E. Auerbach, "Mimesis. Dargestellte Wirchlichkeit in der abendländischen Literatur", Bern, Francke, 1946, in its Italian translation: E. Auerbach, "Mimesis. Il realismo nella letteratura occidentale", con un saggio di A. Roncaglia, Torino, Einaudi, 1956 (and subsequent reprints); a specific bibliography related to the chapters of the book read in class will be made available in the Ariel site of the course.
2) Section C: E. Auerbach, "Philologie der Weltliteratur/Filologia della letteratura mondiale", a cura di E. Salvaneschi, Ro Ferrarese, Book Editore, 2006.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an interview that will assess the learning outcomes. The interview will be divided into two sections devoted respectively to verify the deep knowledge of the reference textbook and the ability to analyse the texts that have been taken into account during the lessons, mainly in their original language. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the teacher and with the dedicated office.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the teacher and with the dedicated office.
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours