Contemporary English Literature
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course offers a series of readings between the late xx and the early xxi century; its aim is to showcase how the anglophone literary world has reflected upon the present offering highly original interpretations and suggestions. The textual analyses imply a thorough knowledge of the historical and literary contexts and the acquisition of critical abilities.
Expected learning outcomes
During the course, students will acquire a general knowledge of the outlines of contemporary English literature (after 1945), with an insight into its complex interaction with other media and other cultures. Students will be able to position a literary text within its literary and cultural contexts. Students will be working on new critical approaches to literature and literary movements.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Modern nature: gardens in contemporary English literature
Part A:
Introduction to English contemporary literature
Gardens in English culture
Part B: Gardens and Freedom
Olivia Laing, The Garden Against Time, Picador 2024
Derek Jarman, Modern Nature (1991), Vintage 2018
Modulo C: Fictional gardens
Ian McEwan, The Cement Garden [1978], Vintage 2004
Rachel Cusk, The Country Life [1997], Faber and Faber
Attendance is strongly recommended. Non-attending students should also bring to the examination the 'Additional Texts' indicated in the 'Reference Materials' section
Part A:
Introduction to English contemporary literature
Gardens in English culture
Part B: Gardens and Freedom
Olivia Laing, The Garden Against Time, Picador 2024
Derek Jarman, Modern Nature (1991), Vintage 2018
Modulo C: Fictional gardens
Ian McEwan, The Cement Garden [1978], Vintage 2004
Rachel Cusk, The Country Life [1997], Faber and Faber
Attendance is strongly recommended. Non-attending students should also bring to the examination the 'Additional Texts' indicated in the 'Reference Materials' section
Prerequisites for admission
The course — entirely in English — and the primary and secondary bibliography require a good knowledge of English, both oral and written, as well as a basic knowledge of the English classics. The course is not recommended to first-year students.
Teaching methods
The course deploys the following teaching methods: lectures with close reading and textual analysis; whenever possible, videos, images and music will also be employed. Students will be asked to take active part in the critical reading of the texts; they should therefore be willing to read some works during the course.
Teaching Resources
Modulo A:
Paul Poplawski, English Literature in Context, Cambridge University Press, ch. 7
Modulo B:
Part B: Gardens and Freedom
Olivia Laing, The Garden Against Time, Picador 2024
Derek Jarman, Modern Nature (1991), Vintage 2018
Modulo C: Fictional gardens
Ian McEwan, The Cement Garden [1978], Vintage 2004
Rachel Cusk, The Country Life [1997], Faber and Faber 2011
"Additonal texts" for non-attending students:
Corinne Fowler, Green Unpleasant Land, Peepal 2021ù
Selected parts from Charles Riston-Quest, The English Garden: A Social History
Paul Poplawski, English Literature in Context, Cambridge University Press, ch. 7
Modulo B:
Part B: Gardens and Freedom
Olivia Laing, The Garden Against Time, Picador 2024
Derek Jarman, Modern Nature (1991), Vintage 2018
Modulo C: Fictional gardens
Ian McEwan, The Cement Garden [1978], Vintage 2004
Rachel Cusk, The Country Life [1997], Faber and Faber 2011
"Additonal texts" for non-attending students:
Corinne Fowler, Green Unpleasant Land, Peepal 2021ù
Selected parts from Charles Riston-Quest, The English Garden: A Social History
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test assessed in thirtieths. 18/30 is the pass score. The test (an interview) will ascertain: the capacity of students to read and translate the literary texts studied (non-Italian students will be asked to paraphrase the same in English); their knowledge of the historical, cultural, and literary context of both texts and writers in the reading list; their knowledge of the literary works proposed; their critical abilities (their capacity to analyse the literary works and to connect different authors, texts and literary trends). Linguistic precision will also be part of the assessment. In order to sit the exam, it is mandatory to bring along all the literary texts.
It is possible to sit the exam both in Italian and English, but at least one or two questions will have to be answered in English.
The final score is expressed in thirtieths; students may accept or reject the mark - in the latter case it will be recorded as "ritirato" and they will have to repeat the whole exam (all Units) in a future session.
Students with any disabilities are kindly requested to contact the teacher in order to agree on alternative examination methods, according to the current legislation.
The present syllabus is valid until September 2026.
It is possible to sit the exam both in Italian and English, but at least one or two questions will have to be answered in English.
The final score is expressed in thirtieths; students may accept or reject the mark - in the latter case it will be recorded as "ritirato" and they will have to repeat the whole exam (all Units) in a future session.
Students with any disabilities are kindly requested to contact the teacher in order to agree on alternative examination methods, according to the current legislation.
The present syllabus is valid until September 2026.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)