Historical Studies

MATTEO MOTOLESE

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the methodological, critical and applicable aspects of the Discipline; it proposes geographical areas and sectorial perspectives in which related projects are activated; it shows the variability of fields of interest; it enables the student to master the specific topics in order to use them and apply them in other fields of study while using the correct specific language. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical epochs and cultural contexts.

The module aims to provide knowledge of the main research methods in the history of the Italian language through an in-depth study of specific research topics. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate: a) that they have developed a basic ability for independent research in the historical-linguistic field; b) that they can use bibliography appropriately and critically; c) that they can adequately communicate the results of their research.

At least 12 CFU in Italian Linguistics in the Bachelor degree.

This seminar-based course (6 ECTS) aims to engage students in the in-depth study of a research topic that is highly relevant to the history of the Italian language and possesses significant methodological value.In the 2026-27 academic year, the course will focus on the most important grammar of the Renaissance: Pietro Bembo's "Prose della volgar lingua".

1. Lectures introducing the topic (20 hours)
2. In-depth student seminars (18 hours)
3. Conclusion (2 hours)

Bibliography for Attending Students:
The reading list will be provided by the instructor in the handout at the beginning of the course.
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Non-attending students are required to prepare an alternative bibliography. The text for non-attending students is the following:
G. Antonelli - M. Motolese - L. Tomasin (a cura di), Storia dell'italiano scritto. vol. VI. Pratiche di scrittura, Roma, Carocci, 2021.

Bibliography for Attending Students:
The reading list will be provided by the instructor in the handout at the beginning of the course.

Non-attending students are required to prepare an alternative bibliography. The text for non-attending students is the following:
G. Antonelli - M. Motolese - L. Tomasin (a cura di), Storia dell'italiano scritto. vol. VI. Pratiche di scrittura, Roma, Carocci, 2021.

Seminar lessons.

Attendance is highly recommended. Students who do not attend must prepare the alternative program indicated in the reading list.

To pass the exam you must obtain a grade of not less than 18/30. To achieve sufficiency, the student must demonstrate that he has acquired a basic knowledge of the course contents; for the achievement of the maximum mark (30 cum laude), the student must demonstrate to safely display the topics covered, using appropriate terminology; he must also demonstrate that he is able to connect different parts of the program in a coherent and logical way.

Linguistic commentary on a section of the text of the "Prose della volgar lingua";
History of the text within the context of its time;
Relationship between the "Prose della volgar lingua" and other Renaissance works related to linguistic codification.

• Lectures introducing the topic (20 hours)


• In-depth student seminars (18 hours)


• Conclusion (2 hours)