Italian Literature (advanced)
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims at improving the students' acquaintance of Italian Modern Literature, as well as developing their critical awareness of the literary tradition: historical background, transmission of texts, thematic and stylistic aspects. In order to achieve these goals, the course focuses on some relevant authors and texts from the late XVIth to the XIXth century.
Furthermore, in its first part the course aims at making the students more familiar with Dante's Commedia, with the help of the main tools of analysis and through the discussion of critical approaches useful to interpret literary texts (theory of styles and genres).
Furthermore, in its first part the course aims at making the students more familiar with Dante's Commedia, with the help of the main tools of analysis and through the discussion of critical approaches useful to interpret literary texts (theory of styles and genres).
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge. At the end of the course, the students are expected to be well-informed about Italian Modern Literature, especially for ages and authors which are object of the lessons; and to have a fair knowledge of Dante's Commedia.
Skills. The students are expected to be aware of the most suitable tools for the analysis and interpretation of literary texts (thematical and formal aspects), and to be able to set the works in their historical context. They are also expected to be conscious of the different methodological perspectives and to recognize the problematic aspects of the topics studied; to demonstrate a correct use of a scientific bibliography and the ability to clearly argue and properly use the specific lexicon of the discipline.
Skills. The students are expected to be aware of the most suitable tools for the analysis and interpretation of literary texts (thematical and formal aspects), and to be able to set the works in their historical context. They are also expected to be conscious of the different methodological perspectives and to recognize the problematic aspects of the topics studied; to demonstrate a correct use of a scientific bibliography and the ability to clearly argue and properly use the specific lexicon of the discipline.
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
A-H
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Dante's Comedy (Guglielmo Barucci)
Part B (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Vittorio Alfieri, Vita
Part C (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis
The course, divided into three parts of ca. 20 hours and 3 ECTS each, provides a presentation and discussion of the the following topics: part A will be devote to Dante's Comedy (reading and commentary on selected chapters; Dante's culture; language and style of the Comedy; morphology of the afterlife; critical problems about Dante); parts B and C of the course will be dedicated to "paths of self-writing between the 18th and 19th centuries". Part B will focus on Vittorio Alfieri's "Vita", its compositional events, and the landscape of 18th-century autobiographical writing; part C will be dedicated to "Le ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis" by Foscolo, with particular attention to the compositional events, reference models, and personal solutions adopted by the author.
Those preparing the 6 ECTS program will take the exam on parts A and B.
The program is valid until July 2026.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities orSLD should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Part B (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Vittorio Alfieri, Vita
Part C (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis
The course, divided into three parts of ca. 20 hours and 3 ECTS each, provides a presentation and discussion of the the following topics: part A will be devote to Dante's Comedy (reading and commentary on selected chapters; Dante's culture; language and style of the Comedy; morphology of the afterlife; critical problems about Dante); parts B and C of the course will be dedicated to "paths of self-writing between the 18th and 19th centuries". Part B will focus on Vittorio Alfieri's "Vita", its compositional events, and the landscape of 18th-century autobiographical writing; part C will be dedicated to "Le ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis" by Foscolo, with particular attention to the compositional events, reference models, and personal solutions adopted by the author.
Those preparing the 6 ECTS program will take the exam on parts A and B.
The program is valid until July 2026.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities orSLD should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Prerequisites for admission
In order to access the course the student must have passed the first year Italian Literature exam.
Teaching methods
The course is offered in a lecture format. Attendance is not mandatory but still strongly recommended. Lectures are based on paper materials; students might read texts in electronic format when available.
Traditional frontal teaching is integrated by parts of discussion and collaboration with students aimed at enhancing their critical attitudes.
A workshop focusing on "critical writing", addressed to majoring students, will be held beside the course.
Traditional frontal teaching is integrated by parts of discussion and collaboration with students aimed at enhancing their critical attitudes.
A workshop focusing on "critical writing", addressed to majoring students, will be held beside the course.
Teaching Resources
ATTENDING STUDENTS
In addition to the bibliography, documents uploaded on MyAriel must be taken into account in the overall study.
Part A (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Dante's Comedy (Guglielmo Barucci)
Inferno, 6, 17, 21, 22, 27 e 32; Purgatorio, 1, 8, 11, 22, 27, 30; Paradiso, 1, 4, 15, 22, 23 e 33
Edition:
Commentaries by Bosco-Reggio, Le Monnier; Mercuri, Einaudi; Chiavacci Leonardi, Mondadori are specifically suggested
Critical Bibliography
Alberto Casadei, Dante. Storia avventurosa delle Divina Commedia dalla selva oscura alla realtà aumentata, il Saggiatore
Giorgio Inglese, Dante. Guida alla Divina Commedia, Carocci
Gianfranco Contini, Dante come personaggio poeta della "Commedia", in Un'idea di Dante, Einaudi
Part B (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Vittorio Alfieri, Vita
Edition
Vittorio Alfieri, Vita, a cura di Carla Forno, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2020
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
- Sergio Zatti, Il narratore postumo. Confessione, conversione, vocazione nell'autobiografia occidentale, Macerata, Quodlibet, 2024, only the Parte II. La fondazione moderna del genere autobiografico, pp. 57-209 and the chapter dedicated to Vittorio Alfieri: Parte IV.6 Alfieri, lacci linguistici e gioghi amorosi, pp. 417-442.
- Andrea Battistini, Vita scritta da esso, in Letture alfieriane, a cura di Gino Tellini, Firenze, Edizioni Polistampa, 2003, pp. 13-34.
Part C (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis
Edition
Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis, introduzione, testo e commento a cura di Maria Antonietta Terzoli, Roma, Carocci, 2012.
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
- The introduction and commentary of the edition are an integral part of the study.
- Giuseppe Nicoletti, Foscolo, Roma, Salerno editrice, 2006: chapter V. L'"imago" romantica di Jacopo Ortis, pp. 100-150.
- Enzo Neppi, Le origini del romanzo "moderno" secondo Foscolo: la Julie, il Werther e Jacopo Ortis, in Foscolo critico, a cura di Claudia Berra, Paolo Borsa, Giulia Ravera, Milano, Università degli Studi, 2017, pp. 29-48 available online: ‹https://riviste.unimi.it/quadernidigargnano/article/view/10970/pdf›
NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
Part A (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Dante's Comedy (Guglielmo Barucci)
Inferno, 3, 6, 9, 14, 17, 21, 22, 27, 31 e 32; Purgatorio, 1, 2, 8, 11, 20, 22, 27, 30, 31; Paradiso, 1, 4, 6, 11, 12, 15, 17, 22, 23 e 33
Critical Bibliography
Alberto Casadei, Dante. Storia avventurosa delle Divina Commedia dalla selva oscura alla realtà aumentata, il Saggiatore
Gianfranco Contini, Dante come personaggio poeta della "Commedia", in Un'idea di Dante, Einaudi
Giorgio Inglese, Dante. Guida alla Divina Commedia, Carocci
Francesco Spera, Guglielmo Barucci, Dante, Carocci, cap. V (La Commedia)
Mirko Tavoni, Perché il poema di Dante è una commedia?, in Id., Qualche idea su Dante, il Mulino, pp. 335-369
Part B (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Vittorio Alfieri, Vita
Edition
Vittorio Alfieri, Vita, a cura di Carla Forno, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2020
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
In addition to the bibliography already indicated for attending students:
- Gabriella Fenocchio, Alfieri, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2012.
Part C (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis
Edition
Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis, introduzione, testo e commento a cura di Maria Antonietta Terzoli, Roma, Carocci, 2012.
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
In addition to the bibliography already indicated for attending students:
- Giuseppe Nicoletti, Foscolo, Roma, Salerno editrice, 2006, chapters I-IV, pp. 15-99.
- Alfredo Cottignoli, Lo stile delle passioni. L'«Ortis» ed il Foscolo autocritico della «Notizia bibliografica», in Foscolo critico, a cura di Claudia Berra, Paolo Borsa, Giulia Ravera, Milano, Università degli Studi, 2017, pp. 1-16 available online: ‹https://riviste.unimi.it/quadernidigargnano/article/view/10968/pdf›
In addition to the bibliography, documents uploaded on MyAriel must be taken into account in the overall study.
Part A (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Dante's Comedy (Guglielmo Barucci)
Inferno, 6, 17, 21, 22, 27 e 32; Purgatorio, 1, 8, 11, 22, 27, 30; Paradiso, 1, 4, 15, 22, 23 e 33
Edition:
Commentaries by Bosco-Reggio, Le Monnier; Mercuri, Einaudi; Chiavacci Leonardi, Mondadori are specifically suggested
Critical Bibliography
Alberto Casadei, Dante. Storia avventurosa delle Divina Commedia dalla selva oscura alla realtà aumentata, il Saggiatore
Giorgio Inglese, Dante. Guida alla Divina Commedia, Carocci
Gianfranco Contini, Dante come personaggio poeta della "Commedia", in Un'idea di Dante, Einaudi
Part B (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Vittorio Alfieri, Vita
Edition
Vittorio Alfieri, Vita, a cura di Carla Forno, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2020
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
- Sergio Zatti, Il narratore postumo. Confessione, conversione, vocazione nell'autobiografia occidentale, Macerata, Quodlibet, 2024, only the Parte II. La fondazione moderna del genere autobiografico, pp. 57-209 and the chapter dedicated to Vittorio Alfieri: Parte IV.6 Alfieri, lacci linguistici e gioghi amorosi, pp. 417-442.
- Andrea Battistini, Vita scritta da esso, in Letture alfieriane, a cura di Gino Tellini, Firenze, Edizioni Polistampa, 2003, pp. 13-34.
Part C (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis
Edition
Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis, introduzione, testo e commento a cura di Maria Antonietta Terzoli, Roma, Carocci, 2012.
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
- The introduction and commentary of the edition are an integral part of the study.
- Giuseppe Nicoletti, Foscolo, Roma, Salerno editrice, 2006: chapter V. L'"imago" romantica di Jacopo Ortis, pp. 100-150.
- Enzo Neppi, Le origini del romanzo "moderno" secondo Foscolo: la Julie, il Werther e Jacopo Ortis, in Foscolo critico, a cura di Claudia Berra, Paolo Borsa, Giulia Ravera, Milano, Università degli Studi, 2017, pp. 29-48 available online: ‹https://riviste.unimi.it/quadernidigargnano/article/view/10970/pdf›
NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
Part A (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Dante's Comedy (Guglielmo Barucci)
Inferno, 3, 6, 9, 14, 17, 21, 22, 27, 31 e 32; Purgatorio, 1, 2, 8, 11, 20, 22, 27, 30, 31; Paradiso, 1, 4, 6, 11, 12, 15, 17, 22, 23 e 33
Critical Bibliography
Alberto Casadei, Dante. Storia avventurosa delle Divina Commedia dalla selva oscura alla realtà aumentata, il Saggiatore
Gianfranco Contini, Dante come personaggio poeta della "Commedia", in Un'idea di Dante, Einaudi
Giorgio Inglese, Dante. Guida alla Divina Commedia, Carocci
Francesco Spera, Guglielmo Barucci, Dante, Carocci, cap. V (La Commedia)
Mirko Tavoni, Perché il poema di Dante è una commedia?, in Id., Qualche idea su Dante, il Mulino, pp. 335-369
Part B (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Vittorio Alfieri, Vita
Edition
Vittorio Alfieri, Vita, a cura di Carla Forno, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2020
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
In addition to the bibliography already indicated for attending students:
- Gabriella Fenocchio, Alfieri, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2012.
Part C (20 hrs, 3 ECTS): Paths of self-writing between 18th and 19th centuries. Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis
Edition
Ugo Foscolo, Ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis, introduzione, testo e commento a cura di Maria Antonietta Terzoli, Roma, Carocci, 2012.
The text must be read in its entirety; the passages to be examined will be indicated on the MyAriel website at the end of the course.
Critical Bibliography
In addition to the bibliography already indicated for attending students:
- Giuseppe Nicoletti, Foscolo, Roma, Salerno editrice, 2006, chapters I-IV, pp. 15-99.
- Alfredo Cottignoli, Lo stile delle passioni. L'«Ortis» ed il Foscolo autocritico della «Notizia bibliografica», in Foscolo critico, a cura di Claudia Berra, Paolo Borsa, Giulia Ravera, Milano, Università degli Studi, 2017, pp. 1-16 available online: ‹https://riviste.unimi.it/quadernidigargnano/article/view/10968/pdf›
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning results are assessed by an individual oral exam with the aim to test acquired knowledge. Assessment criteria include the ability to organise speech and present topics and problems with the appropriate expression. Marks are out of 30. The result is communicated to the student at the end of the exam.
Maximum grade: 30/30. Minimum passing grade: 18/30.
Maximum grade: 30/30. Minimum passing grade: 18/30.
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
I-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The programme is divided into three teaching units. The first will focus on Dante's "Comedy" (Dante e la memoria dei poeti); the second on Giacomo Leopardi's "Operette morali"; the third on Giacomo Leopardi's "Canti".
The programme is valid until September 2025.
The programme is valid until September 2025.
Prerequisites for admission
The prerequisite course is Italian Literature.
Teaching methods
The course will be based on formal lectures. Class attendance at lessons is strongly recommended.
Additional texts and documents will be uploaded on the e-learning platform Ariel.
A workshop focusing on "critical writing", addressed to majoring students, will be held beside the course. This workshop is not compulsory.
Additional texts and documents will be uploaded on the e-learning platform Ariel.
A workshop focusing on "critical writing", addressed to majoring students, will be held beside the course. This workshop is not compulsory.
Teaching Resources
ATTENDING STUDENTS
Part A
D. Alighieri, "Commedia". Editions commented by Sapegno (La Nuova Italia), Bosco-Reggio (Le Monnier), Pasquini-Quaglio (Garzanti); Chiavacci Leonardi (Mondadori); Inglese (Carocci) are recommended.
Part B
Giacomo Leopardi, "Operette morali", a cura di Laura Melosi (Milano, BUR).
Part C
Giacomo Leopardi, "Canti", quelle a cura di Franco Gavazzeni e Maria Maddalena Lombardi (Milano, BUR)
NON ATTENDING STUDENTS
Non attending students will also read G. Ledda, "Dante", Bologna, il Mulino (chapters III-IX).
Part A
D. Alighieri, "Commedia". Editions commented by Sapegno (La Nuova Italia), Bosco-Reggio (Le Monnier), Pasquini-Quaglio (Garzanti); Chiavacci Leonardi (Mondadori); Inglese (Carocci) are recommended.
Part B
Giacomo Leopardi, "Operette morali", a cura di Laura Melosi (Milano, BUR).
Part C
Giacomo Leopardi, "Canti", quelle a cura di Franco Gavazzeni e Maria Maddalena Lombardi (Milano, BUR)
NON ATTENDING STUDENTS
Non attending students will also read G. Ledda, "Dante", Bologna, il Mulino (chapters III-IX).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam, based on the topics described in the course programme and directed to check the expected learning outcomes (in particular, students are expected to be well-prepared on the subject; to have achieved critical and analytical abilities with literary texts; to argue clearly and properly).
Assessments are marked out of thirty (18/30 > 30/30 cum laude). Students are allowed to choose between earning 6 credits (parts A+B or A+C) and earning 9 credits (3 parts).
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher. Likewise, students with any disabilities are kindly asked to contact the teacher in order to agree on alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent office.
Assessments are marked out of thirty (18/30 > 30/30 cum laude). Students are allowed to choose between earning 6 credits (parts A+B or A+C) and earning 9 credits (3 parts).
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher. Likewise, students with any disabilities are kindly asked to contact the teacher in order to agree on alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent office.
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
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours: wednesday 15.00-18.00, by appointment only. Nevertheless, due to multiple administrative tasks, appointments could be given in other days.
Department of Literary Studies, Philology and Linguistics; sector Modern Philology, 1st floor, via Francesco Sforza