Italian Culture for Foreign Students I
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the basic skills for a first understanding of the national culture, through major historical, socio-economic and political phenomena of united Italy.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to understand the issues addressed and to read properly the literary texts included in the syllabus.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
ITALIAN LITERATURE AND NATIONAL IDENTITY
The course is divided into three units. The Unit I examines one of the most famous italian book, Pinocchio (1883), in order to understand cultural ideals and social reality of a recently unified nation. The Unit II addresses the key stages of the Italian history, politics and culture: the Risorgimento, the Giolitti era, the Great War, fascism, the Resistance, the economic boom, the protest of 68, the Years of Lead, the Second Republic. The Unit III focuses on the houses of writers who played a key role in shaping Italian identity.
The course is divided into three units. The Unit I examines one of the most famous italian book, Pinocchio (1883), in order to understand cultural ideals and social reality of a recently unified nation. The Unit II addresses the key stages of the Italian history, politics and culture: the Risorgimento, the Giolitti era, the Great War, fascism, the Resistance, the economic boom, the protest of 68, the Years of Lead, the Second Republic. The Unit III focuses on the houses of writers who played a key role in shaping Italian identity.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of written and spoken Italian language
Teaching methods
Teaching takes place through lectures, supported by the vision of images and videos
Teaching Resources
Unit 1. Pinocchio's Italy
Attending students will prepare for the exam the notes taken in class and the book by Collodi Pinocchio (only complete Italian edition; available free of charge on the website www.liberliber.it).
In addition to Collodi Pinocchio's book, non-attending students will prepare for the exam the essay by V. Spinazzola Un burattino eroicomico, in Pinocchio & C., pp. 28-61; available free of charge at http://www.liberliber.it.
Unit 2. History, Culture and Society in the United Italy
Attending students will prepare for the exam the notes taken in class and the volume by M. Isnenghi A brief history of Italy for the use of the perplexed (and not), Laterza.
Non-attending students will prepare for the exam the volume of M. Isnenghi Breve storia d'Italia a uso dei perplessi (e non), Laterza, and three essays of your choice contained in the volume Aa.Vv., Novecento italiano. Gli anni cruciali che hanno dato il volto all'Italia di oggi, Laterza.
Unit 3. Sites of Italian culture. Writers 'houses
Attending students will prepare for the exam the notes taken in class and the volume by M. Novelli La finestra di Leopardi. Viaggio nelle case dei grandi scrittori italiani, Feltrinelli.
Non-attending students will prepare the volume by M. Novelli La finestra di Leopardi for the exam, Feltrinelli. The will also visit Alessandro Manzoni's home (via Morone 1, Milan), taking advantage of the contents on the website https://www.casadelmanzoni.it/ (Museum and Manzoni sections).
Attending students will prepare for the exam the notes taken in class and the book by Collodi Pinocchio (only complete Italian edition; available free of charge on the website www.liberliber.it).
In addition to Collodi Pinocchio's book, non-attending students will prepare for the exam the essay by V. Spinazzola Un burattino eroicomico, in Pinocchio & C., pp. 28-61; available free of charge at http://www.liberliber.it.
Unit 2. History, Culture and Society in the United Italy
Attending students will prepare for the exam the notes taken in class and the volume by M. Isnenghi A brief history of Italy for the use of the perplexed (and not), Laterza.
Non-attending students will prepare for the exam the volume of M. Isnenghi Breve storia d'Italia a uso dei perplessi (e non), Laterza, and three essays of your choice contained in the volume Aa.Vv., Novecento italiano. Gli anni cruciali che hanno dato il volto all'Italia di oggi, Laterza.
Unit 3. Sites of Italian culture. Writers 'houses
Attending students will prepare for the exam the notes taken in class and the volume by M. Novelli La finestra di Leopardi. Viaggio nelle case dei grandi scrittori italiani, Feltrinelli.
Non-attending students will prepare the volume by M. Novelli La finestra di Leopardi for the exam, Feltrinelli. The will also visit Alessandro Manzoni's home (via Morone 1, Milan), taking advantage of the contents on the website https://www.casadelmanzoni.it/ (Museum and Manzoni sections).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral interview on the topics of the syllabus, whose purpose is to ascertain the knowledge of the main issues covered and in particular the acquisition of the fundamental notions relating to the cultural and literary identity of United Italy. Attendance at lessons is strongly recommended for better exam preparation. However, the syllabus already includes additions for students who could not attend.
There are no intermediate tests, nor partial exams: students must present all the teaching units to the exam, without exception. Students must register through the appropriate links on the University website: only in this case the exams can be regularly registered.
There are no intermediate tests, nor partial exams: students must present all the teaching units to the exam, without exception. Students must register through the appropriate links on the University website: only in this case the exams can be regularly registered.
Teaching Unit 1
L-FIL-LET/11 - CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Teaching Unit 2
L-FIL-LET/11 - CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Teaching Unit 3
L-FIL-LET/11 - CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)