English Literature 1
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
English literature 1 is the first of three foundation modules in English literature for students enrolled in the 3-year BA in Foreign languages and literatures. The course, divided into three parts, focuses on the period between the Glorious Revolution and 1870s, and teaches students to contextualize and critically analyze literary texts (prose and poetry).
Expected learning outcomes
- Read and understand literary texts in their linguistic aspects
- Place literary texts within their historical and cultural context
- Establish connections between literary works
- Analyze poetry in its thematic and formal aspects using the relevant metalanguage
- Analyze fiction in its thematic and formal aspects using the relevant metalanguage
- Use literary essays to engage in the critical reading of texts
- Place literary texts within their historical and cultural context
- Establish connections between literary works
- Analyze poetry in its thematic and formal aspects using the relevant metalanguage
- Analyze fiction in its thematic and formal aspects using the relevant metalanguage
- Use literary essays to engage in the critical reading of texts
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
A (A-K)
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Ways of reading English literature: poetry and fiction
The first two parts of the course (A and B) aim to introduce students to the critical reading of literature and of some relevant aspects of British culture in the period 1689-1870, i.e., during the rapid expansion of the modern English monarchy. The eighteenth and nineteenth century saw the emergence and development of forms and genres that have since then characterised British literature (and culture, more in general), the legacy of which is still visible today. Module A introduces students to the reading of poetry, while Module B and C focus respectively on the Romantic novel and the Victorian novel.
This course bears 9 CFU and it is not possible to acquire 6 CFU only. The present
The first two parts of the course (A and B) aim to introduce students to the critical reading of literature and of some relevant aspects of British culture in the period 1689-1870, i.e., during the rapid expansion of the modern English monarchy. The eighteenth and nineteenth century saw the emergence and development of forms and genres that have since then characterised British literature (and culture, more in general), the legacy of which is still visible today. Module A introduces students to the reading of poetry, while Module B and C focus respectively on the Romantic novel and the Victorian novel.
This course bears 9 CFU and it is not possible to acquire 6 CFU only. The present
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held entirely in English. The primary and secondary bibliography presuppose a knowledge of English at intermediate level.
Teaching methods
Each course week students shall attend a lecture on a specific aspect of British literature and two lectures dedicated to the analysis of relevant literary texts, with some spotlights on British art and cinema. Texts will be analysed making use of metrical (poetry) and narratological (fiction) tools.
A detailed class schedule will be published on the Ariel website.
A detailed class schedule will be published on the Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
Literary history and reference for textual analysis:
Paul Poplawski, English Literature in Context, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2017 (available in the library's online resources), chapters 3,4 and 5.
Martin Montgomery, Alan Durant, Tom Furniss and Sara Mills, Ways of Reading: Advanced Reading Skills for Students of English Literature, 4th ed., Routledge, London
Module A (except Moll Flanders, available on the MyAriel platform, 'Handout' file)
Henry Fielding, Preface to Tom Jones
Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders, Oxford World Classics
Alexander Pope, selected passages from An Essay on Criticism
William Wordsworth, 'Preface to the Lyrical Ballads'.
William Blake, 'London', 'The Chimney Sweeper' (in Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience)
William Wordsworth, "Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey".
P.B. Shelley, 'The Mask of Anarchy', 'England in 1819'.
John Keats, 'Ode to a Grecian Urn', 'On Seeing the Elgin Marbles'
Module B
Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, ed. Claudia L Johnson, Norton Critical Editions
Part C
Charles Dickens, Bleak House, Oxford World Classics
Please purchase the recommended editions, as introductions, notes and critical essays are necessary for exam preparation.
One novel of your choice from each group of works (total: 3 novels, any edition)
1. Eighteenth Century
Samuel Richardson, Pamela
Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
2. Romantic Novels
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
Fanny Burney, Evelina
3. High Victorian Novels
Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Attendance is highly recommended, as the literature examination is part of the compulsory examinations of the degree course.
Non-attending students are encouraged to make contact with the lecturer prior to the start of the course.
In addition to the texts in the syllabus, non-frequenting students should also study the following texts (in brackets we indicate whether available on MyAriel or the University library)
Module A:
Riccardo Capoferro, Novel, Carocci, Rome 2017, chapters 1 and 2 (University Library)
Steve Curran, Romantic poetry Why and Wherefore?, in Id. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism, Cambridge University Press, pp. 209-228 (Ariel)
Sara Sullam, Moll Flanders. Matrici, Mimesis, Milan 2018 (University Library), chapters 1, 2, 3
Module B
Liliana Rampello, Sei romanzi perfetti, pp. 9-62 and 110-140 (University Library)
Module C:
M.T. Chialant, Bleak House. Ragnate, Mimesis, Milano 2021, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 (University Library)
Paul Poplawski, English Literature in Context, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2017 (available in the library's online resources), chapters 3,4 and 5.
Martin Montgomery, Alan Durant, Tom Furniss and Sara Mills, Ways of Reading: Advanced Reading Skills for Students of English Literature, 4th ed., Routledge, London
Module A (except Moll Flanders, available on the MyAriel platform, 'Handout' file)
Henry Fielding, Preface to Tom Jones
Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders, Oxford World Classics
Alexander Pope, selected passages from An Essay on Criticism
William Wordsworth, 'Preface to the Lyrical Ballads'.
William Blake, 'London', 'The Chimney Sweeper' (in Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience)
William Wordsworth, "Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey".
P.B. Shelley, 'The Mask of Anarchy', 'England in 1819'.
John Keats, 'Ode to a Grecian Urn', 'On Seeing the Elgin Marbles'
Module B
Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, ed. Claudia L Johnson, Norton Critical Editions
Part C
Charles Dickens, Bleak House, Oxford World Classics
Please purchase the recommended editions, as introductions, notes and critical essays are necessary for exam preparation.
One novel of your choice from each group of works (total: 3 novels, any edition)
1. Eighteenth Century
Samuel Richardson, Pamela
Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
2. Romantic Novels
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
Fanny Burney, Evelina
3. High Victorian Novels
Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Attendance is highly recommended, as the literature examination is part of the compulsory examinations of the degree course.
Non-attending students are encouraged to make contact with the lecturer prior to the start of the course.
In addition to the texts in the syllabus, non-frequenting students should also study the following texts (in brackets we indicate whether available on MyAriel or the University library)
Module A:
Riccardo Capoferro, Novel, Carocci, Rome 2017, chapters 1 and 2 (University Library)
Steve Curran, Romantic poetry Why and Wherefore?, in Id. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism, Cambridge University Press, pp. 209-228 (Ariel)
Sara Sullam, Moll Flanders. Matrici, Mimesis, Milan 2018 (University Library), chapters 1, 2, 3
Module B
Liliana Rampello, Sei romanzi perfetti, pp. 9-62 and 110-140 (University Library)
Module C:
M.T. Chialant, Bleak House. Ragnate, Mimesis, Milano 2021, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 (University Library)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in an oral test assessed in thirtieths. The pass score is eighteen. The test, which consists in an interview, will ascertain the understanding of literary texts (through reading and translation or paraphrase), analytic skills as well as the knowledge of literary history (historical and cultural contexts), and critical abilities. Linguistic accuracy and connections between the texts will also be part of the assessment.
It is possible to sit the exam both in Italian and English.
"Frequentanti" students can take a midterm test on module A. The test is not compulsory.
The final score is expressed in thirtieths; students may accept or reject the mark - in this case it will be recorded as "ritirato" (withdrawn) and they will have to take the whole exam again in the future.
Students with any disabilities are kindly requested to contact the teacher to agree on alternative examination methods, according to the current legislation.
In order to take the exam, it is mandatory to bring along all the literary texts.
When registering for the exam, students are required to enlist under the teacher's name, especially when taking the exam after more than one year from the end of the course.
The present syllabus expires after September 2026.
It is possible to sit the exam both in Italian and English.
"Frequentanti" students can take a midterm test on module A. The test is not compulsory.
The final score is expressed in thirtieths; students may accept or reject the mark - in this case it will be recorded as "ritirato" (withdrawn) and they will have to take the whole exam again in the future.
Students with any disabilities are kindly requested to contact the teacher to agree on alternative examination methods, according to the current legislation.
In order to take the exam, it is mandatory to bring along all the literary texts.
When registering for the exam, students are required to enlist under the teacher's name, especially when taking the exam after more than one year from the end of the course.
The present syllabus expires after September 2026.
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
B (L-Z)
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Ways of reading English literature: poetry and fiction
The first two parts of the course (A and B) aim to introduce students to the critical reading of literature and of some relevant aspects of British culture in the period 1689-1870, i.e., during the rapid expansion of the modern English monarchy. The eighteenth and nineteenth century saw the emergence and development of forms and genres that have since then characterised British literature (and culture, more in general), the legacy of which is still visible today. Module A introduces students to the reading of poetry, while Module B focuses on the novel (Romantic, Victorian).
This course bears 9 CFU and it is not possible to acquire 6 CFU only.
The first two parts of the course (A and B) aim to introduce students to the critical reading of literature and of some relevant aspects of British culture in the period 1689-1870, i.e., during the rapid expansion of the modern English monarchy. The eighteenth and nineteenth century saw the emergence and development of forms and genres that have since then characterised British literature (and culture, more in general), the legacy of which is still visible today. Module A introduces students to the reading of poetry, while Module B focuses on the novel (Romantic, Victorian).
This course bears 9 CFU and it is not possible to acquire 6 CFU only.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held entirely in English. The primary and secondary bibliography presuppose a knowledge of English at intermediate level.
Teaching methods
Each course week students shall attend a lecture on a specific aspect of British literature and two lectures dedicated to the analysis of relevant literary texts, with some spotlights on British art and cinema. Texts will be analysed making use of metrical (poetry) and narratological (fiction) tools.
A detailed class schedule will be published on the Ariel website.
A detailed class schedule will be published on the Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
Literary history and reference for textual analysis:
Paul Poplawski, English Literature in Context, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2017 (available in the library's online resources), chapters 3,4 and 5.
Martin Montgomery, Alan Durant, Tom Furniss and Sara Mills, Ways of Reading: Advanced Reading Skills for Students of English Literature, 4th ed., Routledge, London
Module A (except Moll Flanders, available on the MyAriel platform, 'Handout' file)
Henry Fielding, Preface to Tom Jones
Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders, Oxford World Classics
Alexander Pope, selected passages from An Essay on Criticism
William Wordsworth, 'Preface to the Lyrical Ballads'.
William Blake, 'London', 'The Chimney Sweeper' (in Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience)
William Wordsworth, "Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey".
P.B. Shelley, 'The Mask of Anarchy', 'England in 1819'.
John Keats, 'Ode to a Grecian Urn', 'On Seeing the Elgin Marbles'
Module B
Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, ed. Claudia L Johnson, Norton Critical Editions
Part C
Charles Dickens, Bleak House, Oxford World Classics
Please purchase the recommended editions, as introductions, notes and critical essays are necessary for exam preparation.
One novel of your choice from each group of works (total: 3 novels, any edition)
1. Eighteenth Century
Samuel Richardson, Pamela
Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
2. Romantic Novels
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
Fanny Burney, Evelina
3. High Victorian Novels
Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Attendance is highly recommended, as the literature examination is part of the compulsory examinations of the degree course.
Non-attending students are encouraged to make contact with the lecturer prior to the start of the course.
In addition to the texts in the syllabus, non-frequenting students should also study the following texts (in brackets we indicate whether available on MyAriel or the University library)
Module A:
Riccardo Capoferro, Novel, Carocci, Rome 2017, chapters 1 and 2 (University Library)
Steve Curran, Romantic poetry Why and Wherefore?, in Id. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism, Cambridge University Press, pp. 209-228 (Ariel)
Sara Sullam, Moll Flanders. Matrici, Mimesis, Milan 2018 (University Library), chapters 1, 2, 3
Module B
Liliana Rampello, Sei romanzi perfetti, pp. 9-62 and 110-140 (University Library)
Module C:
M.T. Chialant, Bleak House. Ragnate, Mimesis, Milano 2021, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 (University Library)
Paul Poplawski, English Literature in Context, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2017 (available in the library's online resources), chapters 3,4 and 5.
Martin Montgomery, Alan Durant, Tom Furniss and Sara Mills, Ways of Reading: Advanced Reading Skills for Students of English Literature, 4th ed., Routledge, London
Module A (except Moll Flanders, available on the MyAriel platform, 'Handout' file)
Henry Fielding, Preface to Tom Jones
Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders, Oxford World Classics
Alexander Pope, selected passages from An Essay on Criticism
William Wordsworth, 'Preface to the Lyrical Ballads'.
William Blake, 'London', 'The Chimney Sweeper' (in Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience)
William Wordsworth, "Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey".
P.B. Shelley, 'The Mask of Anarchy', 'England in 1819'.
John Keats, 'Ode to a Grecian Urn', 'On Seeing the Elgin Marbles'
Module B
Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, ed. Claudia L Johnson, Norton Critical Editions
Part C
Charles Dickens, Bleak House, Oxford World Classics
Please purchase the recommended editions, as introductions, notes and critical essays are necessary for exam preparation.
One novel of your choice from each group of works (total: 3 novels, any edition)
1. Eighteenth Century
Samuel Richardson, Pamela
Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
2. Romantic Novels
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
Fanny Burney, Evelina
3. High Victorian Novels
Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
Attendance is highly recommended, as the literature examination is part of the compulsory examinations of the degree course.
Non-attending students are encouraged to make contact with the lecturer prior to the start of the course.
In addition to the texts in the syllabus, non-frequenting students should also study the following texts (in brackets we indicate whether available on MyAriel or the University library)
Module A:
Riccardo Capoferro, Novel, Carocci, Rome 2017, chapters 1 and 2 (University Library)
Steve Curran, Romantic poetry Why and Wherefore?, in Id. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism, Cambridge University Press, pp. 209-228 (Ariel)
Sara Sullam, Moll Flanders. Matrici, Mimesis, Milan 2018 (University Library), chapters 1, 2, 3
Module B
Liliana Rampello, Sei romanzi perfetti, pp. 9-62 and 110-140 (University Library)
Module C:
M.T. Chialant, Bleak House. Ragnate, Mimesis, Milano 2021, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 (University Library)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in an oral test assessed in thirtieths. The pass score is eighteen. The test, which consists in an interview, will ascertain the understanding of literary texts (through reading and translation or paraphrase), analytic skills as well as the knowledge of literary history (historical and cultural contexts), and critical abilities. Linguistic accuracy and connections between the texts will also be part of the assessment.
It is possible to sit the exam both in Italian and English.
"Frequentanti" students can sit a midterm test on module A.
The final score is expressed in thirtieths; students may accept or reject the mark - in this case it will be recorded as "ritirato" (withdrawn) and they will have to take the whole exam again in the future.
Students with any disabilities are kindly requested to contact the teacher to agree on alternative examination methods, according to the current legislation.
In order to take the exam, it is mandatory to bring along all the literary texts.
When registering for the exam, students are required to enlist under the teacher's name, especially when taking the exam after more than one year from the end of the course.
The present syllabus expires after September 2026.
It is possible to sit the exam both in Italian and English.
"Frequentanti" students can sit a midterm test on module A.
The final score is expressed in thirtieths; students may accept or reject the mark - in this case it will be recorded as "ritirato" (withdrawn) and they will have to take the whole exam again in the future.
Students with any disabilities are kindly requested to contact the teacher to agree on alternative examination methods, according to the current legislation.
In order to take the exam, it is mandatory to bring along all the literary texts.
When registering for the exam, students are required to enlist under the teacher's name, especially when taking the exam after more than one year from the end of the course.
The present syllabus expires after September 2026.
Professor(s)