Theory of Literature
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The purpose of the course is to offer students the in-depth knowledge of some theoretical issues often debated in the twentieth century, and (depending upon the textual analysis) either to lead them to both a reflection and analysis of the forms, ways, and styles of the literary texts considered, or to a contextualization of the authors discussed in the lessons.
Expected learning outcomes
The skills that students can acquire are based upon the strength of different levels of texts: the ability to reflect on issues of literature theory, to read and critically discuss writing in verse or prose,the ability to analyze literary text from a linguistic, stylistic and rhetorical point of view, the ability to understand different forms of critical interventions, and to relate texts with their historical context, with their authorial identity, with different kinds of ideas.
In this sense, the expected results relate to the strength of interpretive skills, critical awareness of the close link that must be established between the analysis of the stylistic-expressive level and the attribution of meanings, which necessarily include the reference to not only historical context but the experiences of the author.
In this sense, the expected results relate to the strength of interpretive skills, critical awareness of the close link that must be established between the analysis of the stylistic-expressive level and the attribution of meanings, which necessarily include the reference to not only historical context but the experiences of the author.
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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will address the issue of literary interpretation, by introducing and discussing some ideas of philosophical and literary hermeneutics. More specifically, we will discuss reflections by Martin Heidegger, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Charles Taylor, and Hans-Robert Jauss and we will question the nature, aims, limits, and methods of literary interpretation, testing our hypotheses in relation to a selection of literary texts.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with SLD should also contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with SLD should also contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent office.
Teaching methods
Lectures by the teachers and discussion sessions.
Teaching Resources
Students who are to acquire 6 ECTS will study the following works:
a) Martin Heidegger, "Sein und Zeit" (some sections);
b) Hans-Georg Gadamer, "Wahrheit und Methode" (some sections);
c) a selection of literary texts (more information will be given on the Ariel website of the course).
Students who are to acquire 9 ECTS will study the works mentioned above and the following:
d) Hans-Robert Jauss, "Ästhetische Erfahrung und literarische Hermeneutik" (some sections);
e) Charles Taylor, "Interpretation and the Sciences of Man" and "Self-Interpreting Animals."
More information (as regards the editions to be used and supplementary reading material) will be given on the Ariel website.
a) Martin Heidegger, "Sein und Zeit" (some sections);
b) Hans-Georg Gadamer, "Wahrheit und Methode" (some sections);
c) a selection of literary texts (more information will be given on the Ariel website of the course).
Students who are to acquire 9 ECTS will study the works mentioned above and the following:
d) Hans-Robert Jauss, "Ästhetische Erfahrung und literarische Hermeneutik" (some sections);
e) Charles Taylor, "Interpretation and the Sciences of Man" and "Self-Interpreting Animals."
More information (as regards the editions to be used and supplementary reading material) will be given on the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will be an oral exam. Students will be asked to discuss the works and the theoretical issues addressed by the course. The accuracy of historical and literary references will also contribute to the final score. For foreign students, the exam will be in English or Italian (student's choice). More information will be given during the course and on the Ariel website.
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Ballerio Stefano
Professor(s)
Reception:
Fridays, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, by appointment.
Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, Modern studies section, second floor