Italian Literature
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a critical knowledge of the fundamental hubs of the Italian literary system, from the origins to the early nineteenth century, following the tradition and transformation of models, themes, forms.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student will have gained knowledge of the fundamental aspects and issues of Italian literature from its origins to the early nineteenth century, with a particular focus on the relationship between Italian literature and the political and cultural history of our country, also within the variety of geographical expressions found throughout the peninsula. The student will then be able to place genres, themes, poetics, authors and works against the background of the historical context, according to a correct periodization, and will have to become familiar with the tools (metric elements, rhetoric, theory of styles and narratology) and methodologies that allow them to analyze and interpret the texts, taking into account the modalities in their transmission and the main issues related to their philological definition.
Among the skills that the student will have to acquire will include the ability to understand literary texts; correctly grasp their thematic and formal aspects; place them in their respective contexts; read and understand contributions of literary nonfiction, focusing on critical and interpretive issues; communicate with clarity and fairness in oral and written exposition, making appropriate use of the lexicon of the discipline. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. Participation in meetings and seminars organized within the Department of Literature, Philology and Linguistics will also be of great importance.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, in addition to procuring the material expressly indicated within the program or eventually put on Ariel, must contact the instructor preferably during office hours.
Among the skills that the student will have to acquire will include the ability to understand literary texts; correctly grasp their thematic and formal aspects; place them in their respective contexts; read and understand contributions of literary nonfiction, focusing on critical and interpretive issues; communicate with clarity and fairness in oral and written exposition, making appropriate use of the lexicon of the discipline. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. Participation in meetings and seminars organized within the Department of Literature, Philology and Linguistics will also be of great importance.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, in addition to procuring the material expressly indicated within the program or eventually put on Ariel, must contact the instructor preferably during office hours.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
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
A-L
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course title: Italian literary civilization: textual and historical-critical paths
Part A: From the Origins to Medici Florence: textual paths (the main works on which study is to be focused are indicated in parentheses; a detailed list of topics to be prepared will be provided at the end of the lectures):
- the poetry of the Origins from the Sicilian School to the Dolce stil novo;
- Dante Alighieri (Rime, Vita nova, Commedia);
- Francesco Petrarch (Canzoniere);
- Giovanni Boccaccio (Decameron);
- Humanism and the poetry of Medici Florence (Lorenzo the Magnificent, Luigi Pulci, Angelo Poliziano).
Part B: From the Renaissance to Leopardi: textual paths (main works to be focused on in parentheses; a detailed list of topics to be prepared will be provided at the end of the lectures):
- Renaissance treatises (Niccolò Machiavelli, Principe; Pietro Bembo, Prose della volgar lingua; Baldassarre Castiglione, Cortegiano; Francesco Guicciardini, Storia d'Italia and Ricordi);
- epic-chivalric poetry: Matteo Maria Boiardo (Orlando innamorato), Ludovico Ariosto (Orlando furioso), Torquato Tasso (Gerusalemme liberata);
- the seventeenth century between Baroque (Adone by Giovan Battista Marino) and scientific revolution (Galileo Galilei);
- the Lombard Enlightenment (Giuseppe Parini, Il Giorno);
- Ugo Foscolo (Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis and Dei sepolcri);
- Giacomo Leopardi (Operette morali and Canti).
Part C: Manzoni's civil poetry. Several of Manzoni's texts will be considered in partial or full reading: Il Trionfo della libertà; Aprile 1814; Il proclama di Rimini; the chorus from Conte di Carmagnola; Marzo 1821; Cinque Maggio; the chorus from Adelchi's Act III.
Part A: From the Origins to Medici Florence: textual paths (the main works on which study is to be focused are indicated in parentheses; a detailed list of topics to be prepared will be provided at the end of the lectures):
- the poetry of the Origins from the Sicilian School to the Dolce stil novo;
- Dante Alighieri (Rime, Vita nova, Commedia);
- Francesco Petrarch (Canzoniere);
- Giovanni Boccaccio (Decameron);
- Humanism and the poetry of Medici Florence (Lorenzo the Magnificent, Luigi Pulci, Angelo Poliziano).
Part B: From the Renaissance to Leopardi: textual paths (main works to be focused on in parentheses; a detailed list of topics to be prepared will be provided at the end of the lectures):
- Renaissance treatises (Niccolò Machiavelli, Principe; Pietro Bembo, Prose della volgar lingua; Baldassarre Castiglione, Cortegiano; Francesco Guicciardini, Storia d'Italia and Ricordi);
- epic-chivalric poetry: Matteo Maria Boiardo (Orlando innamorato), Ludovico Ariosto (Orlando furioso), Torquato Tasso (Gerusalemme liberata);
- the seventeenth century between Baroque (Adone by Giovan Battista Marino) and scientific revolution (Galileo Galilei);
- the Lombard Enlightenment (Giuseppe Parini, Il Giorno);
- Ugo Foscolo (Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis and Dei sepolcri);
- Giacomo Leopardi (Operette morali and Canti).
Part C: Manzoni's civil poetry. Several of Manzoni's texts will be considered in partial or full reading: Il Trionfo della libertà; Aprile 1814; Il proclama di Rimini; the chorus from Conte di Carmagnola; Marzo 1821; Cinque Maggio; the chorus from Adelchi's Act III.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not mandatory. The teaching is delivered through lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
Also thanks to slide projections, lessons will focus on movements, authors and works and their cultural context; on the main critical problems of each topic, through quotations from critical essays and comparisons among different critical views; on tradition and reception of works and texts; on their most interesting formal aspects. All the materials will be available on MyAriel.
Analysis of the texts will start from the undestanding of their meaning, paying attention to the most important differences in interpretation, and will consider the prominent cultural and formal elements.
Lectures devoted to Manzoni's civil production will aim to contextualize the addressed poems from a historical and ideological point of view and provide all the elements useful for their understanding, with special attention to the critical debate.
Non-attending students must use the materials expressly indicated in this program and will have to ask the teacher for advice either by e-mail or during office hours.
Also thanks to slide projections, lessons will focus on movements, authors and works and their cultural context; on the main critical problems of each topic, through quotations from critical essays and comparisons among different critical views; on tradition and reception of works and texts; on their most interesting formal aspects. All the materials will be available on MyAriel.
Analysis of the texts will start from the undestanding of their meaning, paying attention to the most important differences in interpretation, and will consider the prominent cultural and formal elements.
Lectures devoted to Manzoni's civil production will aim to contextualize the addressed poems from a historical and ideological point of view and provide all the elements useful for their understanding, with special attention to the critical debate.
Non-attending students must use the materials expressly indicated in this program and will have to ask the teacher for advice either by e-mail or during office hours.
Teaching Resources
ATTENDING STUDENTS
6 ECTS: parts B and C
9 ECTS: parts A, B, C.
PART A
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of your choice (options will be indicated in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022 will be required: Guittone d'Arezzo, Ahi lasso! or è stagion de doler tanto (p. 11); Guido Guinizelli, Al cor gentil rempaira sempre amore (for paraphrase only vv. 1-20: pp. 17-18); Guido Cavalcanti, Tu m'hai sì piena di dolor la mente (pp. 21-22); Dante Alighieri, Vita nova 10, 1-25 (for paraphrase only vv. 1-14 of Donne ch'avete: pp. 28-29); Dante Alighieri, Così nel mio parlar vogli'esser aspro (for paraphrase only the first stanza, vv. 1-13: p. 33); Dante Alighieri, Inferno X (for paraphrase vv. 22-114: pp. 41-46); Dante Alighieri, Purg. XI 73-142 (pp. 47-51); Francesco Petrarca, Voi ch'ascoltate in rime sparse il suono (pp. 64-65); Francesco Petrarca, Italia mia, benché 'l parlar sia indarno (pp. 69-74); Giovanni Boccaccio, Decameron V 9 (pp. 89-98); Lorenzo de' Medici, Canzona di Bacco (pp. 125-127). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART B
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of one's choice (directions will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Anthology of Italian Literature, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022will be required: Matteo Maria Boiardo, Inamoramento de Orlando I XVIII 32-48 (for paraphrase only octaves 39-46: pp. 134-137); Castiglione, Libro del Cortegiano I XXVI (pp. 161-163); Niccolò Machiavelli, De principatibus 18 (pp. 178-182); Ludovico Ariosto, Orlando furioso XII 1-22 (for paraphrase only octaves 4-12: pp. 192-195); Torquato Tasso, Gerusalemme liberata I 1-4 (pp. 216-218); Giambattista Marino, Adone X 39-47 (pp. 229-232); Giuseppe Parini, Mattino (1763), 125-157 (pp. 259-261); Ugo Foscolo, Lettera da Ventimiglia (pp. 284-292); Giacomo Leopardi, A se se se (p. 305). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART C
- Il Trionfo della libertà; Aprile 1814; Il proclama di Rimini; Cinque Maggio: should be prepared on Alessandro Manzoni, Tutte le poesie, edited by Luca Danzi, Milan, Bur Rizzoli, 2012 or later editions (in this volume it will be necessary to study the Introduction and the introductory chapters to the texts and the notes; at the end of the course a list of the parts from Trionfo della libertà to be prepared with particular care will be provided);
- chorus of the Count of Carmagnola: the text will be provided on MyAriel;
- chorus of Act III of Adelchi: to be prepared on Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022, pp. 318-21;
- Luca Danzi, Manzoni: Marzo 1821, Rome, Carocci, 2024;
- Antonino De Francesco, Il poeta e la rivoluzione. Ancora qualche piccola nota sui «Pochi versi inediti» manzoniani, "Acme", 2015, 2, pp. 179-200;
- course notes: taking the exam as an attending student implies knowledge of what was said in class about the figure and work of Manzoni and about individual texts.
NON ATTENDING STUDENTS
6 ECTS: parts B and C
9 ECTS: parts A, B, C.
PART A
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of your choice (options will be indicated in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022 will be required: Guittone d'Arezzo, Ahi lasso! or è stagion de doler tanto (p. 11); Guido Guinizelli, Al cor gentil rempaira sempre amore (for paraphrase only vv. 1-20: pp. 17-18); Guido Cavalcanti, Tu m'hai sì piena di dolor la mente (pp. 21-22); Dante Alighieri, Vita nova 10, 1-25 (for paraphrase only vv. 1-14 of Donne ch'avete: pp. 28-29); Dante Alighieri, Così nel mio parlar vogli'esser aspro (for paraphrase only the first stanza, vv. 1-13: p. 33); Dante Alighieri, Inferno X (for paraphrase vv. 22-114: pp. 41-46); Dante Alighieri, Purg. XI 73-142 (pp. 47-51); Francesco Petrarca, Voi ch'ascoltate in rime sparse il suono (pp. 64-65); Francesco Petrarca, Italia mia, benché 'l parlar sia indarno (pp. 69-74); Giovanni Boccaccio, Decameron V 9 (pp. 89-98); Lorenzo de' Medici, Canzona di Bacco (pp. 125-127). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART B
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of one's choice (directions will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Anthology of Italian Literature, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022will be required: Matteo Maria Boiardo, Inamoramento de Orlando I XVIII 32-48 (for paraphrase only octaves 39-46: pp. 134-137); Castiglione, Libro del Cortegiano I XXVI (pp. 161-163); Niccolò Machiavelli, De principatibus 18 (pp. 178-182); Ludovico Ariosto, Orlando furioso XII 1-22 (for paraphrase only octaves 4-12: pp. 192-195); Torquato Tasso, Gerusalemme liberata I 1-4 (pp. 216-218); Giambattista Marino, Adone X 39-47 (pp. 229-232); Giuseppe Parini, Mattino (1763), 125-157 (pp. 259-261); Ugo Foscolo, Lettera da Ventimiglia (pp. 284-292); Giacomo Leopardi, A se se se (p. 305). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART C
- Aprile 1814; Il proclama di Rimini; Cinque Maggio: should be prepared on Alessandro Manzoni, Tutte le poesie, edited by Luca Danzi, Milan, Bur Rizzoli, 2012 or later editions (in this volume it will be necessary to study the Introduction and the introductory chapters to the texts and the notes; at the end of the course a list of the parts from Trionfo della libertà to be prepared with particular care will be provided);
- chorus of the Count of Carmagnola: the text will be provided on MyAriel;
- chorus of Act III of Adelchi: to be prepared on Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022, pp. 318-21;
- Luca Danzi, Manzoni: Marzo 1821, Rome, Carocci, 2024;
- Antonino De Francesco, Il poeta e la rivoluzione. Ancora qualche piccola nota sui «Pochi versi inediti» manzoniani, "Acme", 2015, 2, pp. 179-200;
- Isabella Becherucci, Il teatro, in Manzoni, a cura di Paola Italia, Roma, Carocci, 2020, pp. 41-57;
- Giorgio Panizza, Le due tragedie e l'idea di nazione, in Immaginare e costruire la nazione. Manzoni da Napoleone a Garibaldi, a cura di Luca Danzi e Giorgio Panizza, Milano, il Saggiatore, 2012, pp. 87-101;
- Valter Boggione, La sconfessione di "Marzo 1821": il primo coro dell'"Adelchi", in Studi sulla letteratura italiana della modernità. Per Angelo R. Pupino. Sette-Ottocento, a cura di Elena Candela, Napoli, Liguori, 2009, pp. 127-147.
6 ECTS: parts B and C
9 ECTS: parts A, B, C.
PART A
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of your choice (options will be indicated in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022 will be required: Guittone d'Arezzo, Ahi lasso! or è stagion de doler tanto (p. 11); Guido Guinizelli, Al cor gentil rempaira sempre amore (for paraphrase only vv. 1-20: pp. 17-18); Guido Cavalcanti, Tu m'hai sì piena di dolor la mente (pp. 21-22); Dante Alighieri, Vita nova 10, 1-25 (for paraphrase only vv. 1-14 of Donne ch'avete: pp. 28-29); Dante Alighieri, Così nel mio parlar vogli'esser aspro (for paraphrase only the first stanza, vv. 1-13: p. 33); Dante Alighieri, Inferno X (for paraphrase vv. 22-114: pp. 41-46); Dante Alighieri, Purg. XI 73-142 (pp. 47-51); Francesco Petrarca, Voi ch'ascoltate in rime sparse il suono (pp. 64-65); Francesco Petrarca, Italia mia, benché 'l parlar sia indarno (pp. 69-74); Giovanni Boccaccio, Decameron V 9 (pp. 89-98); Lorenzo de' Medici, Canzona di Bacco (pp. 125-127). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART B
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of one's choice (directions will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Anthology of Italian Literature, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022will be required: Matteo Maria Boiardo, Inamoramento de Orlando I XVIII 32-48 (for paraphrase only octaves 39-46: pp. 134-137); Castiglione, Libro del Cortegiano I XXVI (pp. 161-163); Niccolò Machiavelli, De principatibus 18 (pp. 178-182); Ludovico Ariosto, Orlando furioso XII 1-22 (for paraphrase only octaves 4-12: pp. 192-195); Torquato Tasso, Gerusalemme liberata I 1-4 (pp. 216-218); Giambattista Marino, Adone X 39-47 (pp. 229-232); Giuseppe Parini, Mattino (1763), 125-157 (pp. 259-261); Ugo Foscolo, Lettera da Ventimiglia (pp. 284-292); Giacomo Leopardi, A se se se (p. 305). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART C
- Il Trionfo della libertà; Aprile 1814; Il proclama di Rimini; Cinque Maggio: should be prepared on Alessandro Manzoni, Tutte le poesie, edited by Luca Danzi, Milan, Bur Rizzoli, 2012 or later editions (in this volume it will be necessary to study the Introduction and the introductory chapters to the texts and the notes; at the end of the course a list of the parts from Trionfo della libertà to be prepared with particular care will be provided);
- chorus of the Count of Carmagnola: the text will be provided on MyAriel;
- chorus of Act III of Adelchi: to be prepared on Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022, pp. 318-21;
- Luca Danzi, Manzoni: Marzo 1821, Rome, Carocci, 2024;
- Antonino De Francesco, Il poeta e la rivoluzione. Ancora qualche piccola nota sui «Pochi versi inediti» manzoniani, "Acme", 2015, 2, pp. 179-200;
- course notes: taking the exam as an attending student implies knowledge of what was said in class about the figure and work of Manzoni and about individual texts.
NON ATTENDING STUDENTS
6 ECTS: parts B and C
9 ECTS: parts A, B, C.
PART A
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of your choice (options will be indicated in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022 will be required: Guittone d'Arezzo, Ahi lasso! or è stagion de doler tanto (p. 11); Guido Guinizelli, Al cor gentil rempaira sempre amore (for paraphrase only vv. 1-20: pp. 17-18); Guido Cavalcanti, Tu m'hai sì piena di dolor la mente (pp. 21-22); Dante Alighieri, Vita nova 10, 1-25 (for paraphrase only vv. 1-14 of Donne ch'avete: pp. 28-29); Dante Alighieri, Così nel mio parlar vogli'esser aspro (for paraphrase only the first stanza, vv. 1-13: p. 33); Dante Alighieri, Inferno X (for paraphrase vv. 22-114: pp. 41-46); Dante Alighieri, Purg. XI 73-142 (pp. 47-51); Francesco Petrarca, Voi ch'ascoltate in rime sparse il suono (pp. 64-65); Francesco Petrarca, Italia mia, benché 'l parlar sia indarno (pp. 69-74); Giovanni Boccaccio, Decameron V 9 (pp. 89-98); Lorenzo de' Medici, Canzona di Bacco (pp. 125-127). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART B
- It is necessary to prepare the topics indicated above (see "Program") on a textbook on the history of Italian literature of one's choice (directions will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel) and to read the parts related to literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022; a detailed list of the topics required for the exam will be provided at the end of the lectures;
- preparation of the paraphrase and commentary of the following passages in Anthology of Italian Literature, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022will be required: Matteo Maria Boiardo, Inamoramento de Orlando I XVIII 32-48 (for paraphrase only octaves 39-46: pp. 134-137); Castiglione, Libro del Cortegiano I XXVI (pp. 161-163); Niccolò Machiavelli, De principatibus 18 (pp. 178-182); Ludovico Ariosto, Orlando furioso XII 1-22 (for paraphrase only octaves 4-12: pp. 192-195); Torquato Tasso, Gerusalemme liberata I 1-4 (pp. 216-218); Giambattista Marino, Adone X 39-47 (pp. 229-232); Giuseppe Parini, Mattino (1763), 125-157 (pp. 259-261); Ugo Foscolo, Lettera da Ventimiglia (pp. 284-292); Giacomo Leopardi, A se se se (p. 305). Students who have difficulty in paraphrasing are advised to make use of G. Baldassari, A. Guardigli, Comprendere e parafrasare, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
PART C
- Aprile 1814; Il proclama di Rimini; Cinque Maggio: should be prepared on Alessandro Manzoni, Tutte le poesie, edited by Luca Danzi, Milan, Bur Rizzoli, 2012 or later editions (in this volume it will be necessary to study the Introduction and the introductory chapters to the texts and the notes; at the end of the course a list of the parts from Trionfo della libertà to be prepared with particular care will be provided);
- chorus of the Count of Carmagnola: the text will be provided on MyAriel;
- chorus of Act III of Adelchi: to be prepared on Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022, pp. 318-21;
- Luca Danzi, Manzoni: Marzo 1821, Rome, Carocci, 2024;
- Antonino De Francesco, Il poeta e la rivoluzione. Ancora qualche piccola nota sui «Pochi versi inediti» manzoniani, "Acme", 2015, 2, pp. 179-200;
- Isabella Becherucci, Il teatro, in Manzoni, a cura di Paola Italia, Roma, Carocci, 2020, pp. 41-57;
- Giorgio Panizza, Le due tragedie e l'idea di nazione, in Immaginare e costruire la nazione. Manzoni da Napoleone a Garibaldi, a cura di Luca Danzi e Giorgio Panizza, Milano, il Saggiatore, 2012, pp. 87-101;
- Valter Boggione, La sconfessione di "Marzo 1821": il primo coro dell'"Adelchi", in Studi sulla letteratura italiana della modernità. Per Angelo R. Pupino. Sette-Ottocento, a cura di Elena Candela, Napoli, Liguori, 2009, pp. 127-147.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: The exam for 9 cfu consists of a preliminary written test on parts A and B and an oral test on part C. The exam for 6 cfu consists of an oral test on parts B and C. The written test is held in December 2024, February 2025, May 2025, September 2025; passing the written test is a prerequisite for the oral exam.
- Type of examination: written test with two open questions (a question on the authors, works or literary movements listed in the program, and a question which consists in the recognition, paraphrase and commentary of one of the texts in the program; students may choice between two pairs of questions) and oral interrogation;
- Length of written examination: 90 minutes;
- As for the written test, the criteria used to assess student's performance are relevance, completeness and correctness; the ability to elaborate an organic and coherent response, to adopt the proper formal register and to employ the appropriate specialized lexicon, and, for the second question, to adequately render a text showing a satisfactory knowledge of the literary language will be considered. Oral test consists of an interview on fundamental topics of the work dealt with in part C: the student will have to demonstrate a full ability to paraphrase the text. The criteria used to assess student's performance are: ability to critically organize informations from lessons and bibliography; competence to comprehensively and effectively expose problems and questions using proper technical language.
- Type of evaluation method: Written tests will be graded sufficient, discreet, good, excellent and will be considered in the final overall grade, that will be expressed in the 30 grade point system; even if they do not pass the written test, students can be admitted to the oral test (provided that their assessment is not seriously inadequate and they get in touch with the teacher).
- Number and types of assessment that contribute to the final evaluation: both written test and oral interrogation.
- Method of communication of the assessment results in case of written examinations: MyAriel site.
- Informations on the program and on the exam will be provided in the first lesson of the course; a presentation will be available on MyAriel where students will find specimen papers of previous written tests.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the professor in charge of the course in a timely manner.
- Type of examination: written test with two open questions (a question on the authors, works or literary movements listed in the program, and a question which consists in the recognition, paraphrase and commentary of one of the texts in the program; students may choice between two pairs of questions) and oral interrogation;
- Length of written examination: 90 minutes;
- As for the written test, the criteria used to assess student's performance are relevance, completeness and correctness; the ability to elaborate an organic and coherent response, to adopt the proper formal register and to employ the appropriate specialized lexicon, and, for the second question, to adequately render a text showing a satisfactory knowledge of the literary language will be considered. Oral test consists of an interview on fundamental topics of the work dealt with in part C: the student will have to demonstrate a full ability to paraphrase the text. The criteria used to assess student's performance are: ability to critically organize informations from lessons and bibliography; competence to comprehensively and effectively expose problems and questions using proper technical language.
- Type of evaluation method: Written tests will be graded sufficient, discreet, good, excellent and will be considered in the final overall grade, that will be expressed in the 30 grade point system; even if they do not pass the written test, students can be admitted to the oral test (provided that their assessment is not seriously inadequate and they get in touch with the teacher).
- Number and types of assessment that contribute to the final evaluation: both written test and oral interrogation.
- Method of communication of the assessment results in case of written examinations: MyAriel site.
- Informations on the program and on the exam will be provided in the first lesson of the course; a presentation will be available on MyAriel where students will find specimen papers of previous written tests.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the professor in charge of the course in a timely manner.
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/10 - ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/10 - ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/10 - ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
M-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Title of the course: Italian Literary Civilization: Textual and Historical-Critical Paths
Module 1: From the Origins to Medicean Florence: Textual Paths
(The following are the main authors and works to focus on for study):
- Poetry of the Origins: from the Sicilian School to the "Generazione di mezzo";
- Dolce Stil Novo;
- Dante Alighieri (Divine Comedy);
- Francesco Petrarca (Canzoniere);
- Giovanni Boccaccio (Decameron);
- Humanism and the poetry of Medicean Florence (Lorenzo il Magnifico).
Module 2: From Guicciardini to Manzoni: Textual Paths
(The following are the main authors and works to focus on for study):
- Francesco Guicciardini (History of Italy and Ricordi);
- Classicism (Baldassarre Castiglione, The Book of the Courtier; Pietro Bembo, Prose della volgar lingua; Petrarchism);
- Epic and Chivalric Poetry: Ludovico Ariosto (Orlando Furioso) and Torquato Tasso (Jerusalem Delivered);
- The Baroque (Giovan Battista Marino);
- Arcadia, Neoclassicism, and Lombard Enlightenment (Giuseppe Parini, Il Giorno);
- Ugo Foscolo (Dei Sepolcri);
- Alessandro Manzoni (I Promessi sposi).
Module 3: Inside Machiavelli's Prince
A complete reading of Machiavelli's Prince will be undertaken.
Module 1: From the Origins to Medicean Florence: Textual Paths
(The following are the main authors and works to focus on for study):
- Poetry of the Origins: from the Sicilian School to the "Generazione di mezzo";
- Dolce Stil Novo;
- Dante Alighieri (Divine Comedy);
- Francesco Petrarca (Canzoniere);
- Giovanni Boccaccio (Decameron);
- Humanism and the poetry of Medicean Florence (Lorenzo il Magnifico).
Module 2: From Guicciardini to Manzoni: Textual Paths
(The following are the main authors and works to focus on for study):
- Francesco Guicciardini (History of Italy and Ricordi);
- Classicism (Baldassarre Castiglione, The Book of the Courtier; Pietro Bembo, Prose della volgar lingua; Petrarchism);
- Epic and Chivalric Poetry: Ludovico Ariosto (Orlando Furioso) and Torquato Tasso (Jerusalem Delivered);
- The Baroque (Giovan Battista Marino);
- Arcadia, Neoclassicism, and Lombard Enlightenment (Giuseppe Parini, Il Giorno);
- Ugo Foscolo (Dei Sepolcri);
- Alessandro Manzoni (I Promessi sposi).
Module 3: Inside Machiavelli's Prince
A complete reading of Machiavelli's Prince will be undertaken.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
During the lectures, fundamental concepts will be highlighted, supported by the use of slide presentations, to historically situate literary movements, authors, and works; address the main critical and interpretative issues for each topic covered (through references to critical essays and comparisons of differing perspectives); provide foundational knowledge on the transmission and reception of works and texts; and explore the most noteworthy formal aspects of the texts examined. All materials presented during the lectures will be made available on MyAriel.
Text analysis will always begin with a comprehension of the meaning, highlighting, in the most significant cases, differing interpretative hypotheses. Particular emphasis will then be placed on the thematic, conceptual, and formal elements of greatest relevance.
Lectures dedicated to Machiavelli for Module 3 will aim to contextualize the texts addressed from both historical and ideological perspectives and to provide all necessary elements for their understanding, with a particular focus on critical debate.
Non-attending students, in addition to obtaining the materials expressly indicated in this syllabus and available on MyAriel, must consult with the professor either via email or during office hours.
During the lectures, fundamental concepts will be highlighted, supported by the use of slide presentations, to historically situate literary movements, authors, and works; address the main critical and interpretative issues for each topic covered (through references to critical essays and comparisons of differing perspectives); provide foundational knowledge on the transmission and reception of works and texts; and explore the most noteworthy formal aspects of the texts examined. All materials presented during the lectures will be made available on MyAriel.
Text analysis will always begin with a comprehension of the meaning, highlighting, in the most significant cases, differing interpretative hypotheses. Particular emphasis will then be placed on the thematic, conceptual, and formal elements of greatest relevance.
Lectures dedicated to Machiavelli for Module 3 will aim to contextualize the texts addressed from both historical and ideological perspectives and to provide all necessary elements for their understanding, with a particular focus on critical debate.
Non-attending students, in addition to obtaining the materials expressly indicated in this syllabus and available on MyAriel, must consult with the professor either via email or during office hours.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
6 CFU: Modules 2 and 3.
9 CFU: Modules 1, 2, and 3.
MODULES 1 and 2
In addition to course notes, students must prepare the topics indicated in the syllabus using a history of Italian literature textbook of their choice (specific recommendations will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel).
At the end of the lectures, a detailed list of the texts required for the exam will be provided. Most of these texts are included, with commentary and paraphrase, in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022.
Students who experience difficulties with paraphrasing are encouraged to consult Comprendere e parafrasare, by G. Baldassari and A. Guardigli, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
MODULE 3
For the monographic section on Machiavelli, students must read The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli in its entirety, using the edition edited by G. Inglese, Turin, Einaudi, 2014 (or later reprints). Alternatively, the edition edited by R. Ruggiero, Milan, Rizzoli, 2008, is recommended.
Students are also required to read Machiavelli's letter to Francesco Vettori (December 10, 1513), which can be found in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, on pp. 168-174.
In addition to course notes, students must study F. Bausi's essay Machiavelli, Salerno, Rome, 2005, on pp. 13-99 and 194-225 (freely available for download from the Torrossa database: https://access-torrossa-com.pros1.lib.unimi.it/).
Non-attending students:
6 CFU: Modules 2 and 3.
9 CFU: Modules 1, 2, and 3.
MODULES 1 and 2
Students must thoroughly prepare the topics indicated in the syllabus using a history of Italian literature textbook of their choice (specific recommendations will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel). Additionally, they must study the sections related to the literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022.
Students who experience difficulties with paraphrasing are encouraged to consult Comprendere e parafrasare by G. Baldassari and A. Guardigli, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
MODULE 3
Non-attending students, in place of lecture notes, must supplement the syllabus for attending students by studying G. Inglese's introduction to his edition of The Prince (pp. V-XXX) and pages 328-342 and 352-362 of F. Bausi's essay Machiavelli, Salerno, Rome, 2005.
6 CFU: Modules 2 and 3.
9 CFU: Modules 1, 2, and 3.
MODULES 1 and 2
In addition to course notes, students must prepare the topics indicated in the syllabus using a history of Italian literature textbook of their choice (specific recommendations will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel).
At the end of the lectures, a detailed list of the texts required for the exam will be provided. Most of these texts are included, with commentary and paraphrase, in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022.
Students who experience difficulties with paraphrasing are encouraged to consult Comprendere e parafrasare, by G. Baldassari and A. Guardigli, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
MODULE 3
For the monographic section on Machiavelli, students must read The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli in its entirety, using the edition edited by G. Inglese, Turin, Einaudi, 2014 (or later reprints). Alternatively, the edition edited by R. Ruggiero, Milan, Rizzoli, 2008, is recommended.
Students are also required to read Machiavelli's letter to Francesco Vettori (December 10, 1513), which can be found in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, on pp. 168-174.
In addition to course notes, students must study F. Bausi's essay Machiavelli, Salerno, Rome, 2005, on pp. 13-99 and 194-225 (freely available for download from the Torrossa database: https://access-torrossa-com.pros1.lib.unimi.it/).
Non-attending students:
6 CFU: Modules 2 and 3.
9 CFU: Modules 1, 2, and 3.
MODULES 1 and 2
Students must thoroughly prepare the topics indicated in the syllabus using a history of Italian literature textbook of their choice (specific recommendations will be provided in the course presentation, which will be available on MyAriel). Additionally, they must study the sections related to the literary history topics in Antologia della letteratura italiana, edited by G. Baldassari and G. Barucci, Milan, Cortina, 2022.
Students who experience difficulties with paraphrasing are encouraged to consult Comprendere e parafrasare by G. Baldassari and A. Guardigli, Milan, Edizioni Libreria Cortina, 2024.
MODULE 3
Non-attending students, in place of lecture notes, must supplement the syllabus for attending students by studying G. Inglese's introduction to his edition of The Prince (pp. V-XXX) and pages 328-342 and 352-362 of F. Bausi's essay Machiavelli, Salerno, Rome, 2005.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: for the 6 CFU exam, the assessment is oral (covering Modules 2 and 3). For the 9 CFU exam, the assessment includes a written test (covering Modules 1 and 2) and an oral test (covering Module 3). Passing the written test is a prerequisite for admission to the oral exam.
- Type of examination: The written test consists of open-ended questions (two questions: one focused on one of the works, authors, or schools included in the syllabus, and another requiring the identification, paraphrasing, and commentary on one of the texts in the syllabus; students will be given the option to choose between two pairs of questions) and an oral examination.
- Duration of the Written Test: 90 minutes. Students with disabilities (DVA) and specific learning disorders (DSA) are entitled to use visual aids such as maps and have extended time for the test.
- Written Test Evaluation: The test will be assessed based on relevance, comprehensiveness, and accuracy. The ability to provide an organized and coherent response, adopt an appropriate formal register, and use the correct specialized vocabulary will be considered. For the second question, the ability to adequately paraphrase a text and demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of literary language will also be evaluated.
- Oral Test: The oral exam consists of a critical discussion of fundamental aspects of the work studied in Module 3. Students must demonstrate full proficiency in paraphrasing the text. Evaluation will focus on the ability to critically and discursively organize knowledge acquired during the lectures and from the bibliography, as well as the ability to comprehensively and effectively address issues using specialized language. Students with disabilities (DVA) and specific learning disorders (DSA) are entitled to use visual aids such as maps.
- Evaluation Method: If the written test is passed, it will be graded as satisfactory, fair, good, or excellent. At the end of the oral test, a final grade out of thirty will be assigned for the entire exam. Both the written and oral tests contribute to the final grade. The results of the written test will be published on the MyAriel website.
Students with disabilities (DVA) or specific learning disorders (DSA) are requested to apply for accommodations for the exam well in advance, copying the email to the appropriate office.
International and Erasmus incoming students are encouraged to contact the course professor promptly.
- Type of examination: The written test consists of open-ended questions (two questions: one focused on one of the works, authors, or schools included in the syllabus, and another requiring the identification, paraphrasing, and commentary on one of the texts in the syllabus; students will be given the option to choose between two pairs of questions) and an oral examination.
- Duration of the Written Test: 90 minutes. Students with disabilities (DVA) and specific learning disorders (DSA) are entitled to use visual aids such as maps and have extended time for the test.
- Written Test Evaluation: The test will be assessed based on relevance, comprehensiveness, and accuracy. The ability to provide an organized and coherent response, adopt an appropriate formal register, and use the correct specialized vocabulary will be considered. For the second question, the ability to adequately paraphrase a text and demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of literary language will also be evaluated.
- Oral Test: The oral exam consists of a critical discussion of fundamental aspects of the work studied in Module 3. Students must demonstrate full proficiency in paraphrasing the text. Evaluation will focus on the ability to critically and discursively organize knowledge acquired during the lectures and from the bibliography, as well as the ability to comprehensively and effectively address issues using specialized language. Students with disabilities (DVA) and specific learning disorders (DSA) are entitled to use visual aids such as maps.
- Evaluation Method: If the written test is passed, it will be graded as satisfactory, fair, good, or excellent. At the end of the oral test, a final grade out of thirty will be assigned for the entire exam. Both the written and oral tests contribute to the final grade. The results of the written test will be published on the MyAriel website.
Students with disabilities (DVA) or specific learning disorders (DSA) are requested to apply for accommodations for the exam well in advance, copying the email to the appropriate office.
International and Erasmus incoming students are encouraged to contact the course professor promptly.
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/10 - ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/10 - ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/10 - ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday 9.30-12.30
Department of Literary Studies, Philology and Linguistics, Unit of Modern Studies, second floor