French Theatre
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce the specific elements of the theatrical text (list of characters and their characterization, scenic indications, construction of the plot, etc.), showing how these change over the centuries depending on the authors and types of drama.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: At the end of the course the student will know the essential lines of development of the history of French theater of the period covered and of the rules that dominate it. The analysis of these texts will also offer the opportunity for an exploration of the mechanisms of staging.
Skills: The student will acquire the ability to place in time the various authors of the history of French theater and the historical-cultural context in which they lived. He will have acquired the critical and methodological tools to face the reading of the various theatrical texts; will have developed skills related to the analysis of the dramatic text and the staging; will be able to use the basic terminology of theatrical studies and will be able to reflect on the mise en scène modalities of the works analyzed during the course.
Skills: The student will acquire the ability to place in time the various authors of the history of French theater and the historical-cultural context in which they lived. He will have acquired the critical and methodological tools to face the reading of the various theatrical texts; will have developed skills related to the analysis of the dramatic text and the staging; will be able to use the basic terminology of theatrical studies and will be able to reflect on the mise en scène modalities of the works analyzed during the course.
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
The lessons will be conducted via voice recording and / or via the Teams platform. The vocal lessons will be uploaded to Ariel and will remain available for the validity period of the program carried out. Classes via Teams will remain available for one semester.
Course syllabus
The course is entitled Marivaux from text to scene and consists of the following three teaching units, which will be addressed in sequence:
A: Marivaux's early successes
B: Exchanges and disguises
C: False confidences and self-love
The course aims above all to provide a direct knowledge, through a reading of the texts accompanied by a critical comment, of some of the fundamental works of the Marivaux theater, following the various phases of its production and dealing with some of the most significant examples of the characters created. by the great French author who embody psychological elements such as self-love, inconstancy, understanding of oneself and of the other. The Marivaux theater will obviously be framed in the historical-literary context of the eighteenth century and in particular in the context of the eighteenth-century French theater and the rules that dominate it. The course also aims to enrich the knowledge of the comedies read through the vision of some mise-en-scene through the projection of DVDs.
Students interested in acquiring 6 credits will adhere to the program of teaching units A and B; students interested in acquiring 9 credits will adhere to the full program.
The program of the course is valid until February 2022. From the 2022 summer session it will be possible to present exclusively on the program of the academic year 2021-2022.
The course aims above all to provide a direct knowledge, through a reading of the texts accompanied by a critical comment, of some of the fundamental works of the Marivaux theater, following the various phases of its production and dealing with some of the most significant examples of the characters created. by the great French author who embody psychological elements such as self-love, inconstancy, understanding of oneself and of the other. The Marivaux theater will obviously be framed in the historical-literary context of the eighteenth century and in particular in the context of the eighteenth-century French theater and the rules that dominate it. The course also aims to enrich the knowledge of the comedies read through the vision of some mise-en-scene through the projection of DVDs.
Students interested in acquiring 6 credits will adhere to the program of teaching units A and B; students interested in acquiring 9 credits will adhere to the full program.
The program of the course is valid until February 2022. From the 2022 summer session it will be possible to present exclusively on the program of the academic year 2021-2022.
A: Marivaux's early successes
B: Exchanges and disguises
C: False confidences and self-love
The course aims above all to provide a direct knowledge, through a reading of the texts accompanied by a critical comment, of some of the fundamental works of the Marivaux theater, following the various phases of its production and dealing with some of the most significant examples of the characters created. by the great French author who embody psychological elements such as self-love, inconstancy, understanding of oneself and of the other. The Marivaux theater will obviously be framed in the historical-literary context of the eighteenth century and in particular in the context of the eighteenth-century French theater and the rules that dominate it. The course also aims to enrich the knowledge of the comedies read through the vision of some mise-en-scene through the projection of DVDs.
Students interested in acquiring 6 credits will adhere to the program of teaching units A and B; students interested in acquiring 9 credits will adhere to the full program.
The program of the course is valid until February 2022. From the 2022 summer session it will be possible to present exclusively on the program of the academic year 2021-2022.
The course aims above all to provide a direct knowledge, through a reading of the texts accompanied by a critical comment, of some of the fundamental works of the Marivaux theater, following the various phases of its production and dealing with some of the most significant examples of the characters created. by the great French author who embody psychological elements such as self-love, inconstancy, understanding of oneself and of the other. The Marivaux theater will obviously be framed in the historical-literary context of the eighteenth century and in particular in the context of the eighteenth-century French theater and the rules that dominate it. The course also aims to enrich the knowledge of the comedies read through the vision of some mise-en-scene through the projection of DVDs.
Students interested in acquiring 6 credits will adhere to the program of teaching units A and B; students interested in acquiring 9 credits will adhere to the full program.
The program of the course is valid until February 2022. From the 2022 summer session it will be possible to present exclusively on the program of the academic year 2021-2022.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held in French as regards reading the texts and in Italian with regard to their commentary. A specific knowledge of the French language is not required, since students of Languages who do not know this language and of Degree Courses other than Languages will be able to follow the course using Italian translations of the texts in the program.
Teaching methods
The course adopts the following teaching methods: frontal lessons; reading and commenting of the scheduled works, viewing and commenting of films.
Teaching Resources
M. G. Porcelli, The figures of authority in the theater of Marivaux, Padua, French Library, 1997.
M. G. Porcelli, Introduction to the edition with Italian text against of "Le Triomphe de l'amour" of the Venice edition, Marsilio (recommended edition).
J. Rousset, La structure du double registre dans l'œuvre de Marivaux, in "Forme et signification", Paris, José Corti, 1992. This last text is also available in the Italian version.
Other bibliographic information will be provided by the teacher during the course.
Bibliographic information is an integral part of the exam program for both attending and non-attending students.
- Didactic unit A
La Double inconstance
L'île des esclaves
- Didactic unit B
Le Jeu de l'amour et du hasard
Le Triomphe de l'amour
- Didactic unit C
Les Fausses confidences
La Dispute
This last text, in the Italian version, will be provided by the teacher.
No particular editions are recommended for both the original French version and the Italian translations of Marivaux's works. Students can prepare themselves on their favorite editions, as long as they are complete and complete with introductory apparatus and commentary notes.
Warnings for non-attending students:
The program for non-attending students is the same as for attending students. Naturally, given the greater difficulties deriving from a preparation conducted independently, non-attending students are recommended to dedicate adequate time to study and elaborate the contents of the program.
M. G. Porcelli, Introduction to the edition with Italian text against of "Le Triomphe de l'amour" of the Venice edition, Marsilio (recommended edition).
J. Rousset, La structure du double registre dans l'œuvre de Marivaux, in "Forme et signification", Paris, José Corti, 1992. This last text is also available in the Italian version.
Other bibliographic information will be provided by the teacher during the course.
Bibliographic information is an integral part of the exam program for both attending and non-attending students.
- Didactic unit A
La Double inconstance
L'île des esclaves
- Didactic unit B
Le Jeu de l'amour et du hasard
Le Triomphe de l'amour
- Didactic unit C
Les Fausses confidences
La Dispute
This last text, in the Italian version, will be provided by the teacher.
No particular editions are recommended for both the original French version and the Italian translations of Marivaux's works. Students can prepare themselves on their favorite editions, as long as they are complete and complete with introductory apparatus and commentary notes.
Warnings for non-attending students:
The program for non-attending students is the same as for attending students. Naturally, given the greater difficulties deriving from a preparation conducted independently, non-attending students are recommended to dedicate adequate time to study and elaborate the contents of the program.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an individual interview, which includes questions asked by the teacher, interactions between the teacher and the student and the analysis and commentary of one or more themes from the scheduled works. The interview has a variable duration depending on the teaching units on which the student presents himself, and takes place in French. The interview aims to verify the knowledge of the texts read, the ability to exhibit, the precision in the use of specific terminology, the capacity for critical and personal reflection on the proposed themes. Finally, he will take into account the French language skills. The final mark is expressed in thirtieths, and the student has the right to refuse it (in this case it will be recorded as "withdrawn").
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to promptly contact the teacher. The exam procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent Office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to promptly contact the teacher. The exam procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent Office.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours