English Literature

Title: Apocalypses
The course wants to reflect on the consequences of imperialist policies, with specific reference to the British Empire. Starting from the processes of colonization and the relationship with colonized populations, it explores the notion of power over people and the environment, and how the consequences of this power are represented in literature. The relationship between humans, nature, and science will be examined through selected literary works, which span a broad literary spectrum—from 19th-century narratives to Gothic and speculative fiction. Special attention will be given to women's writing.
It is a one-year course: it does not aim to cover the entire history of English literature from its origins to the present day. Rather, it selects specific thematic paths, drawing primarily on methodologies from Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, and Gender Studies. The course seeks to explore the theme of power and its exercise on both an individual and collective level, from the imperial mission to present-day environmental catastrophes.
We will use a primary textbook (with reference to specific chapters), which is paired with a digital platform that we will access for additional materials and tests. This will be supplemented by full readings of selected novels, as well as some optional readings. The novels may be read in either English or Italian.
The course will include guest lectures from speakers both within and outside the university.

!!! Students attending the course for 6 ECTS are expected to refer to Units 1 & 2, while students attending the course for 9 ECTS, should add unit 3!!!!

Unit 1 - The ghosts of empire (20 ore, 3 cfu): prof.ssa Nicoletta Vallorani
The British imperial mission and its consequences in terms of the oppression of local populations are presented. Its ideological justifications will be examined. During the decolonization phase and beyond, the course will explore how the "invisibles" gain visibility and a literary voice.
Note: For all authors whose works are read, students are expected to have at least a basic understanding of their biography and historical-cultural context.
Unit 2 - Waste Lands (20 ore, 3 cfu): prof.ssa Nicoletta Vallorani
Imperial policies and the ruthless exploitation during colonialism and neocolonialism have caused significant environmental damages. In this context, we focus primarily on authors from former English colonies who, in various ways, seek to draw attention to the need for a non imperialist storytelling
Note: For all authors whose works are read, students are expected to have at least a basic understanding of their biography and historical-cultural context.
Unit 3 - Intersections: humans, ghosts, clones, nightmares (20 ore, 3 cfu): prof.ssa Nicoletta Brazzelli
Over the course of different times and through a significant range of approaches, English literary production has explored the boundaries between the scientific and the imaginative spheres, the human and the non-human world, interweaving the gothic, science fiction and other narrative forms, placing the fundamental question of the limits, of their crossing and of contamination at the centre of reflection.