Icelandic Language and Literature
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course is an introduction to the study of the Icelandic language and literature. The linguistic part focuses on basic notions of Icelandic grammar, vocabulary and language use. The literary part offers an overview of Icelandic literary history with special focus on significant authors, works and genres.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will develop basic communicative skills in Icelandic. They will be able to understand and use simple sentences in everyday contexts. They will know the most important aspects of the Icelandic literary history, will be able to analyse texts in the Italian translation and discuss them with reference to the historical and cultural background.
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
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is ideal for absolute beginners. It is divided into a literature part (Unit A) and two language parts (Units B and C). Each section consists of 10 classes throughout the semester.
For 6 credits, students will follow the program of Units A+B, for 9 credits, the program of Units A+B+C.
Unit A intends to provide an overview of Iceland's social, cultural and literary journey through lectures and significant works.
Unit B intends to stimulate the active use of Icelandic in everyday situations, through the reading of authentic texts, listening and use of language exercises, and oral and written productions. At the end of the unit, students will have acquired an essential vocabulary for everyday interactions.
Unit C will dive deeper into the theoretical aspects of the language with hints at linguistics aspects and the history of the language. Icelandic will be addressed in the broader framework of the Germanic languages.
For 6 credits, students will follow the program of Units A+B, for 9 credits, the program of Units A+B+C.
Unit A intends to provide an overview of Iceland's social, cultural and literary journey through lectures and significant works.
Unit B intends to stimulate the active use of Icelandic in everyday situations, through the reading of authentic texts, listening and use of language exercises, and oral and written productions. At the end of the unit, students will have acquired an essential vocabulary for everyday interactions.
Unit C will dive deeper into the theoretical aspects of the language with hints at linguistics aspects and the history of the language. Icelandic will be addressed in the broader framework of the Germanic languages.
Prerequisites for admission
None. Classes and exams are in Italian. The reading list is partially in English.
Teaching methods
Lectures, exercises focused on listerning, speaking and comprehension; home assignments; reading and analysis of literary works; individual study of critical contributions; audiovisual material.
Teaching Resources
Unit A:
Classes will provide an understanding of the historical background of each fundamental phase of Icelandic literature. The first part will deal with the medieval era and the literary forms that developed in Iceland from the moment of its conversion to Christianity until the dawn of printing. An introduction to the various genres of sagas will be proposed - with extracts from significant texts provided by the teacher - as well as the general features of Eddic and skaldic poetry. An overview of the period between the end of the Middle Ages and the 20th century will follow.
The second half of Unit A requires the reading of the following novels:
- Halldór Laxness, Independent people, Milan, Iperborea, 2004.
- Hallgrímur Helgason, 101 Reykjavík, Milan, Guanda, 2001.
- Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Heaven and Hell, Milan, Iperborea, 2011.
- Viktor Arnar Ingólfsson, The Flatey enigma, Milan, Iperborea, 2012.
For the historical and literary context:
Required reading:
- M. Ciaravolo (edited by), History of Scandinavian literature, Iperborea 2019, the parts relating to Iceland: pagg. 19-104; pp. 132-137; pp. 195-201; pp. 238-247; pp. 371-377; pp. 489-510; pp. 719-729; pp. 842-844; pp. 881-884; pp. 936-940.
Optional reading:
- P. Scardigli (edited by), The eddic songbook, Milan, Garzanti, 1982, pagg. VII-XXXVII.
- L. Koch, Gli scaldi, Turin, Einaudi, 1984, pag. VII-XXXVI.
- A. Jakobsson and S. Jakobsson (ed.), The Routledge Research Companion to the Medieval Icelandic Sagas, London-New York, Routledge, pp. 4-133.
- V. Ólason, The Traditional Ballads of Iceland, Reykjavík, Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, 1982, pp. 52-78.
- S. Cosimini, "Hallgrímur Pétursson and the Psalms", in Christian literature in Iceland, edited by C. Del Zotto, Rome, Carrocci, 2010, pp. 55-86.
- D. Neijmann (ed.), A History of Icelandic Literature, Lincoln-London, University of Nebraska Press, 2006, pp. 357-585.
- K. Hastrup, A Place Apart, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 2004 (1st ed. 1998).
- G. Karlsson, A Brief History of Iceland, Reykjavík, Mál og Menning, 2000 (and subsequent reprints).
- B. Forshaw, Death in a Cold Climate. A Guide to Scandinavian Crime Fiction, London, Palgrave MacMillan, ch. X and XI.
Units B and C:
The teacher will provide a handout divided into two sections which will serve as a reference text for Units B and C.
For non-attending students:
The same program is valid for Unit A; however, some of the recommended readings will be compulsory for those who do not attend, so please contact the teacher for information.
For Units B and C, it will be essential to ensure adequate linguistic preparation through the use of the handout provided.
Classes will provide an understanding of the historical background of each fundamental phase of Icelandic literature. The first part will deal with the medieval era and the literary forms that developed in Iceland from the moment of its conversion to Christianity until the dawn of printing. An introduction to the various genres of sagas will be proposed - with extracts from significant texts provided by the teacher - as well as the general features of Eddic and skaldic poetry. An overview of the period between the end of the Middle Ages and the 20th century will follow.
The second half of Unit A requires the reading of the following novels:
- Halldór Laxness, Independent people, Milan, Iperborea, 2004.
- Hallgrímur Helgason, 101 Reykjavík, Milan, Guanda, 2001.
- Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Heaven and Hell, Milan, Iperborea, 2011.
- Viktor Arnar Ingólfsson, The Flatey enigma, Milan, Iperborea, 2012.
For the historical and literary context:
Required reading:
- M. Ciaravolo (edited by), History of Scandinavian literature, Iperborea 2019, the parts relating to Iceland: pagg. 19-104; pp. 132-137; pp. 195-201; pp. 238-247; pp. 371-377; pp. 489-510; pp. 719-729; pp. 842-844; pp. 881-884; pp. 936-940.
Optional reading:
- P. Scardigli (edited by), The eddic songbook, Milan, Garzanti, 1982, pagg. VII-XXXVII.
- L. Koch, Gli scaldi, Turin, Einaudi, 1984, pag. VII-XXXVI.
- A. Jakobsson and S. Jakobsson (ed.), The Routledge Research Companion to the Medieval Icelandic Sagas, London-New York, Routledge, pp. 4-133.
- V. Ólason, The Traditional Ballads of Iceland, Reykjavík, Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, 1982, pp. 52-78.
- S. Cosimini, "Hallgrímur Pétursson and the Psalms", in Christian literature in Iceland, edited by C. Del Zotto, Rome, Carrocci, 2010, pp. 55-86.
- D. Neijmann (ed.), A History of Icelandic Literature, Lincoln-London, University of Nebraska Press, 2006, pp. 357-585.
- K. Hastrup, A Place Apart, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 2004 (1st ed. 1998).
- G. Karlsson, A Brief History of Iceland, Reykjavík, Mál og Menning, 2000 (and subsequent reprints).
- B. Forshaw, Death in a Cold Climate. A Guide to Scandinavian Crime Fiction, London, Palgrave MacMillan, ch. X and XI.
Units B and C:
The teacher will provide a handout divided into two sections which will serve as a reference text for Units B and C.
For non-attending students:
The same program is valid for Unit A; however, some of the recommended readings will be compulsory for those who do not attend, so please contact the teacher for information.
For Units B and C, it will be essential to ensure adequate linguistic preparation through the use of the handout provided.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will be divided into main tests and interview.
Main tests:
Unit A:
- Individual or group presentation (approx. 15 min.) of a novel chosen from those indicated. A discussion will be held after that, and additions by the teacher will follow.
- Writing a short paper concerning the topics of the course to be handed in before the exam session - more precise information will be provided by the teacher.
Unit B:
Written exam: Comprehension of a text and related questions + Use of language exercises (level: A1).
Unit C:
Written exam: 3 open questions on the topics of this section.
The written tests relating to Units B and C will take place together on the same day. The student will have to pass the main tests (18/30) to be able to access the interview. It will be possible to reject the grade of the main tests and repeat them in a subsequent exam session.
Interview:
On this occasion, all students will have to hold a very short conversation in Icelandic, showing that they have acquired the basic knowledge for daily communication (level: A1).
For attending students: The teacher reserves the right to ask additional questions on the compulsory material and review the written tests with the student in order to perfect his assessment.
For non-attending students: Questions on the compulsory bibliography relating to Part A will be asked instead of the presentation of a novel in class. With the exception of the conversation in Icelandic, the interview will be held in Italian.
The final grade is expressed out of 30 and is given by the outcome of the main tests and by that of the interview in the following approximate percentage: 70% tests, 30% interview.
Evaluation Criteria
Unit A
Evaluation criteria for the presentation in class will be: ability to briefly but effectively illustrate the contents and themes of the novel, efficiency in organizing the workload (for groups), critical spirit and communicative power.
In the production of the short essay the following factors will be considered decisive: Ability to connect the works to their historical-cultural context, attribute meaning to the events narrated without fear of giving one's own interpretations - as long as they are justified and clearly expressed - give strength to a point of view by referring to one's own readings and/or to the secondary literature recommended by the teacher and, finally, produce a formally coherent text.
Unit B
The following aspects will be assessed: The degree of understanding of the text and the student's ability to offer answers that are synthetic but grammatically correct and with some degree of elaboration. A bonus will be given to attempts at lexical and syntactical variation with respect to the text under analysis. The use of language part will be evaluated exclusively on the basis of the student's grammatical competence.
Unit C
The focus will be on learning the basic linguistic features of Icelandic. It will be important to demonstrate a basic awareness of grammatical structures and the evolution of the language in its historical-cultural context.
Interview
If the main tests are passed by a wide margin, the interview may only consist of a short conversation in Icelandic that highlight the basic skills learned during the course. Where necessary, students be asked to comment on the written exams or answer some supplementary questions. A conscious analysis and well-argued reflections will lead to a higher final grade.
Main tests:
Unit A:
- Individual or group presentation (approx. 15 min.) of a novel chosen from those indicated. A discussion will be held after that, and additions by the teacher will follow.
- Writing a short paper concerning the topics of the course to be handed in before the exam session - more precise information will be provided by the teacher.
Unit B:
Written exam: Comprehension of a text and related questions + Use of language exercises (level: A1).
Unit C:
Written exam: 3 open questions on the topics of this section.
The written tests relating to Units B and C will take place together on the same day. The student will have to pass the main tests (18/30) to be able to access the interview. It will be possible to reject the grade of the main tests and repeat them in a subsequent exam session.
Interview:
On this occasion, all students will have to hold a very short conversation in Icelandic, showing that they have acquired the basic knowledge for daily communication (level: A1).
For attending students: The teacher reserves the right to ask additional questions on the compulsory material and review the written tests with the student in order to perfect his assessment.
For non-attending students: Questions on the compulsory bibliography relating to Part A will be asked instead of the presentation of a novel in class. With the exception of the conversation in Icelandic, the interview will be held in Italian.
The final grade is expressed out of 30 and is given by the outcome of the main tests and by that of the interview in the following approximate percentage: 70% tests, 30% interview.
Evaluation Criteria
Unit A
Evaluation criteria for the presentation in class will be: ability to briefly but effectively illustrate the contents and themes of the novel, efficiency in organizing the workload (for groups), critical spirit and communicative power.
In the production of the short essay the following factors will be considered decisive: Ability to connect the works to their historical-cultural context, attribute meaning to the events narrated without fear of giving one's own interpretations - as long as they are justified and clearly expressed - give strength to a point of view by referring to one's own readings and/or to the secondary literature recommended by the teacher and, finally, produce a formally coherent text.
Unit B
The following aspects will be assessed: The degree of understanding of the text and the student's ability to offer answers that are synthetic but grammatically correct and with some degree of elaboration. A bonus will be given to attempts at lexical and syntactical variation with respect to the text under analysis. The use of language part will be evaluated exclusively on the basis of the student's grammatical competence.
Unit C
The focus will be on learning the basic linguistic features of Icelandic. It will be important to demonstrate a basic awareness of grammatical structures and the evolution of the language in its historical-cultural context.
Interview
If the main tests are passed by a wide margin, the interview may only consist of a short conversation in Icelandic that highlight the basic skills learned during the course. Where necessary, students be asked to comment on the written exams or answer some supplementary questions. A conscious analysis and well-argued reflections will lead to a higher final grade.
L-LIN/15 - NORDIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Micci Michael