Icelandic Language and Literature
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is an introduction to the study of the Icelandic language and literature. The linguistic part focuses on basic notions of Icelandic grammar, vocabulary and language use. The literary part offers an overview of Icelandic literary history with special focus on significant authors, works and genres.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will develop basic communicative skills in Icelandic. They will be able to understand and use simple sentences in everyday contexts. They will know the most important aspects of the Icelandic literary history, will be able to analyse texts in the Italian translation and discuss them with reference to the historical and cultural background.
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
The course is suited for absolute beginners. It is divided into a literature part (Unit A) and two language parts (Units B and C). Each section consists of 10 classes throughout the semester.
For 6 credits, students will follow the program of Units A+B, for 9 credits, the program of Units A+B+C.
Details on the course contents will be available before the start of the spring term.
This course is valid until February 2026.
For 6 credits, students will follow the program of Units A+B, for 9 credits, the program of Units A+B+C.
Details on the course contents will be available before the start of the spring term.
This course is valid until February 2026.
Prerequisites for admission
None. Classes and exams are in Italian. The reading list is partially in English.
Teaching methods
Lectures, exercises focused on listening, speaking and comprehension; home assignments; reading and analysis of literary works; individual study of critical contributions; audiovisual material. Active participation is encouraged and required.
Teaching Resources
The reading list will be available before the start of the spring term.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is divided in a language oral test (B+C) and an oral conversation on literature (A), to be taken in the same day.
A: an oral discussion on topics and authors included in the program, in Italian.
B+C: an oral presentation of self in Icelandic, textual comprehension, answers to related questions (level A1/A2)
Evaluation Criteria
The final grade is expressed out of 30 and is given by the outcome of the interview, in the following percentage:
50% language, 50% literature (9 cfu)
40% language, 60% literature (6 cfu).
Unit A
Evaluation criteria will be: ability to effectively illustrate contents and themes, critical spirit and communicative skills, ability to connect the works to their historical-cultural context, ability to substantiate a point of view by referring to one's own readings and/or to the secondary literature recommended.
Unit B + C
The following aspects will be assessed: The degree of autonomy of expression in Icelandic, understanding the text and the ability to offer grammatically correct answers, being synthetic or more elaborate.
Non-attending students, international and Erasmus Incoming students are invited to get in contact with dr. Cosimini to define a suitable program.
A: an oral discussion on topics and authors included in the program, in Italian.
B+C: an oral presentation of self in Icelandic, textual comprehension, answers to related questions (level A1/A2)
Evaluation Criteria
The final grade is expressed out of 30 and is given by the outcome of the interview, in the following percentage:
50% language, 50% literature (9 cfu)
40% language, 60% literature (6 cfu).
Unit A
Evaluation criteria will be: ability to effectively illustrate contents and themes, critical spirit and communicative skills, ability to connect the works to their historical-cultural context, ability to substantiate a point of view by referring to one's own readings and/or to the secondary literature recommended.
Unit B + C
The following aspects will be assessed: The degree of autonomy of expression in Icelandic, understanding the text and the ability to offer grammatically correct answers, being synthetic or more elaborate.
Non-attending students, international and Erasmus Incoming students are invited to get in contact with dr. Cosimini to define a suitable program.
L-LIN/15 - NORDIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Cosimini Silvia
Professor(s)
Reception:
on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 13:30
to be defined