Oriental languages and civilizations

VALERIA GIULIA ADRIANA TAVAZZI

The course aims to provide the basic elements of the history of early Italian literature as well as basic information about metrics, rhetoric and text analysis.
As far as the Dublin descriptors are concerned, the course enables the student to master the subjects in order to use it and apply it in other fields of study with the correct use of the specific technical language (descriptor number 1); with the acquired knowledge the student is able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical-cultural epochs (descriptor number 2); the student therefore acquires transversal skills related to communication (descriptors number 3-4)

At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the main genres and forms of 18th-century Italian literature, with particular attention to theatre, autobiography and poetry; they will be able to identify and analyse the rhetorical, stylistic and content-related aspects of the texts covered in the programme; they will be able to formulate a well-argued critical judgement; they will be able to establish connections in a logical and coherent manner; they will be able to communicate content clearly, using specialist vocabulary.

Knowledge of Italian is an essential prerequisite. Non-native speakers must ensure that they have the necessary language skills to read and understand the ancient Italian of the texts on the syllabus.
A basic knowledge of Italian literature and fundamental issues of historical and historical-literary periodisation is also required.

The course takes students on a journey through 18th-century Italian literature, focusing on one of its most significant authors (Goldoni).

Texts (in the edition of your choice or provided by the teacher)
Carlo Goldoni, Il servitore di due padroni
Carlo Goldoni, Il teatro comico
Carlo Goldoni, Pamela
Carlo Goldoni, La trilogia della villeggiatura

The ‘Details of adopted texts’ section lists a number of recommended editions.

Italian literature textbook with an anthology covering the 18th and early 19th centuries. Recommended: Giulio Ferroni, Andra Cortellessa, Italo Pantani, Silvia Tatti, Storia e testi della letteratura italiana. Vol. 6: L’età della ragione e delle riforme (1690-1789). La rivoluzione in Europa (1789-1815), Milano, Mondadori, 2003.
A selection of critical bibliography, an integral part of the examination programme, will be made available during the course on the e-learning platform.

Lectures; active learning discussion sessions.

Attendance is not compulsory but strongly recommended.
A specific handout will be prepared for non-attending students, which will form part of the examination programme.

Final oral exam: in addition to verify the knowledge of authors and contexts, the student will be asked to read and comment selected parts of the works contained in the program.

Read this scene/this passage and explain to me what important aspects of the text in which it is embedded emerge from it.