Theory of Literature
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to train students in theoretical and methodological reflection on literature, providing them with in-depth knowledge of key debates in twentieth century literary theory and in philosophical inquiries into literature. It also seeks to engage them in discussions about the status and the epistemic, cultural, social, and political functions of literature, as well as about its interpretation.
Expected learning outcomes
The expected learning outcomes include: an informed understanding of key developments in twentieth century literary theory and in philosophical inquiries into literature; the ability to identify and articulate the fundamental theoretical and methodological issues concerning the status and the epistemic, cultural, social, and political functions of literature and its interpretation; the ability to engage in critical discussion on these issues; the ability to relate all this to the interpretive work carried out on literary texts within literary criticism; and the ability to problematize and critically discuss the conditions and forms of the teaching and study of literature.
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 will propose a reflection on art, literature and interpretation through the reading of Hans-Georg Gadamer's 'Truth and Method' and 'Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity' by Richard Rorty. The reflection will also proceed through a comparison with some works of art—literature (Daniele Del Giudice and possibly other authors), theatre (Marco Paolini) and other arts (Christian Boltanski, Enrico Baj)—, which will allow the theories of Gadamer and Rorty to be reworked and discussed.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in good time. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the teacher in consultation with the relevant office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in good time. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the teacher in consultation with the relevant office.
Teaching methods
The course topics will be presented by the lecturer and discussed with the students. In the third part of the course, students will work in groups and give presentations on the essays in the syllabus (more precise instructions will be given in class).
Teaching Resources
Parts A and B:
Hans-Georg Gadamer, 'Truth and Method', translated and edited by Gianni Vattimo, Bompiani, 2000 (limited to some parts, which will be indicated on the course Moodle site);
in class and on the course's Moodle site, information will be given on the literary, figurative and dramatic works that students will be required to study and discuss.
Part C:
Richard Rorty, "Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity', Cambridge University Press, 1989 (limited to part III).
Finally, complete and definitive indications will be given in class and on the course's Moodle site for any supplementary and supporting readings, particularly for non-attending students.
Hans-Georg Gadamer, 'Truth and Method', translated and edited by Gianni Vattimo, Bompiani, 2000 (limited to some parts, which will be indicated on the course Moodle site);
in class and on the course's Moodle site, information will be given on the literary, figurative and dramatic works that students will be required to study and discuss.
Part C:
Richard Rorty, "Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity', Cambridge University Press, 1989 (limited to part III).
Finally, complete and definitive indications will be given in class and on the course's Moodle site for any supplementary and supporting readings, particularly for non-attending students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students preparing the exam for 6 ECTS credits should study Gadamer's "Truth and Method" and the works from different arts which will be discussed throughout the course. Students preparing the examination for 9 ECTS credits will also have to study Rorty's "Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity".
The exam will consist of an interview in which the knowledge of the course topics, the ability to present them clearly and critically, also through references to the works of art dealt with, the rigour of the language and the precision of the historical-artistic and historical-philosophical references will be assessed. The overall assessment will be expressed in thirtieths. The minimum mark required to pass the examination is 18/30. Attending students will also prepare, in groups, a presentation that will be assessed (further information will be given in class). Non-attending students will be given some supplementary readings.
The exam will consist of an interview in which the knowledge of the course topics, the ability to present them clearly and critically, also through references to the works of art dealt with, the rigour of the language and the precision of the historical-artistic and historical-philosophical references will be assessed. The overall assessment will be expressed in thirtieths. The minimum mark required to pass the examination is 18/30. Attending students will also prepare, in groups, a presentation that will be assessed (further information will be given in class). Non-attending students will be given some supplementary readings.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Fridays, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, by appointment.
Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, Modern studies section, second floor