Theory of Literature
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The purpose of the course is to offer students the in-depth knowledge of some theoretical issues often debated in the twentieth century, and (depending upon the textual analysis) either to lead them to both a reflection and analysis of the forms, ways, and styles of the literary texts considered, or to a contextualization of the authors discussed in the lessons.
Expected learning outcomes
The skills that students can acquire are based upon the strength of different levels of texts: the ability to reflect on issues of literature theory, to read and critically discuss writing in verse or prose,the ability to analyze literary text from a linguistic, stylistic and rhetorical point of view, the ability to understand different forms of critical interventions, and to relate texts with their historical context, with their authorial identity, with different kinds of ideas.
In this sense, the expected results relate to the strength of interpretive skills, critical awareness of the close link that must be established between the analysis of the stylistic-expressive level and the attribution of meanings, which necessarily include the reference to not only historical context but the experiences of the author.
In this sense, the expected results relate to the strength of interpretive skills, critical awareness of the close link that must be established between the analysis of the stylistic-expressive level and the attribution of meanings, which necessarily include the reference to not only historical context but the experiences of the author.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will propose two fundamental questions: what is the literary work and how does its interpretation take place. Both questions will be addressed starting from a text by Daniele Del Giudice, "Staccando l'ombra da terra" (1994), and the first part of the course will be devoted to introducing this text and clarifying critical and theoretical concepts such as fiction and nonfiction, literary genre and intertext. The second part will be devoted to the question of the status of the literary work, for which the answers from structuralist literary theory (Roman Jakobson, Roland Barthes, Tzvetan Todorov, Juri Lotman, Gérard Genette), analytic philosophy (Nelson Goodman, Arthur Danto, Peter Lamarque) and hermeneutics (Hans-Georg Gadamer) will be considered. Finally, the third part will be devoted to the question of interpretation, for which we will again look to hermeneutics and reception theory (Gadamer, Paul Ricoeur, Hans-Robert Jauss).
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with SLD should also contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Students with SLD should also contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent office.
Teaching methods
Course topics will be presented by the teacher and discussed with students, also through group work sessions.
Teaching Resources
The final reading list will be given in class and on the course's Ariel website.
Indicatively, for part A, Daniele Del Giudice's "Staccando l'ombra da terra" (Einaudi, 1994) will be studied.
For Part B, a selection of essays will be proposed by Roman Jakobson, Roland Barthes, Tzvetan Todorov, Juri Lotman and Gérard Genette; by Nelson Goodman, Arthur Danto and Peter Lamarque; and by Hans-Georg Gadamer (students will be allowed to choose).
For Part C, we will read essays by Gadamer, Paul Ricoeur and Hans-Robert Jauss.
Indicatively, for part A, Daniele Del Giudice's "Staccando l'ombra da terra" (Einaudi, 1994) will be studied.
For Part B, a selection of essays will be proposed by Roman Jakobson, Roland Barthes, Tzvetan Todorov, Juri Lotman and Gérard Genette; by Nelson Goodman, Arthur Danto and Peter Lamarque; and by Hans-Georg Gadamer (students will be allowed to choose).
For Part C, we will read essays by Gadamer, Paul Ricoeur and Hans-Robert Jauss.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in an oral test assessed in thirtieths. Students preparing the exam for 9 ECTS credits will have to study parts A, B and C. Students preparing the exam for 6 ECTS credits will have to study Part A and, at their choice, either Part B or Part C.
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Ballerio Stefano
Professor(s)
Reception:
Mondays, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, by appointment.
Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, Modern studies section, second floor