Theory of Literature
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The purpose of the course is to offer students the in-depth knowledge of some theoretical issues often debated in the twentieth century, and (depending upon the textual analysis) either to lead them to both a reflection and analysis of the forms, ways, and styles of the literary texts considered, or to a contextualization of the authors discussed in the lessons.
Expected learning outcomes
The skills that students can acquire are based upon the strength of different levels of texts: the ability to reflect on issues of literature theory, to read and critically discuss writing in verse or prose,the ability to analyze literary text from a linguistic, stylistic and rhetorical point of view, the ability to understand different forms of critical interventions, and to relate texts with their historical context, with their authorial identity, with different kinds of ideas.
In this sense, the expected results relate to the strength of interpretive skills, critical awareness of the close link that must be established between the analysis of the stylistic-expressive level and the attribution of meanings, which necessarily include the reference to not only historical context but the experiences of the author.
In this sense, the expected results relate to the strength of interpretive skills, critical awareness of the close link that must be established between the analysis of the stylistic-expressive level and the attribution of meanings, which necessarily include the reference to not only historical context but the experiences of the author.
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
The course will move between pragmatism and philosophical hermeneutics, proposing a reflection on art, literature and interpretation through the reading of John Dewey's 'Art as Experience', Hans-Georg Gadamer's 'Truth and Method' and a selection of essays by Richard Rorty. The reflection will also proceed through a comparison with some works of art—literature (Daniele Del Giudice), theatre (Marco Paolini) and other arts (Christian Boltanski, Enrico Baj, Anselm Kiefer)—, which will allow the theories of Dewey, 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:
John Dewey, 'Art as Experience', edited by Giovanni Matteucci, Aesthetica, 2020;
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);
Richard Rorty, "Contingency, irony and solidarity', edited by Aldo Gargani, Laterza, 1989 (limited to some parts, which will be indicated on the course Moodle site) and 'Redemption from egotism: James and Proust as spiritual exercises', in 'Telos", 3.3, 2001, pp. 243-263.
Part C: In class and on the course's Moodle site, information will be given on the literary, figurative, dramatic and cinematographic works that students will be required to study and discuss.
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.
John Dewey, 'Art as Experience', edited by Giovanni Matteucci, Aesthetica, 2020;
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);
Richard Rorty, "Contingency, irony and solidarity', edited by Aldo Gargani, Laterza, 1989 (limited to some parts, which will be indicated on the course Moodle site) and 'Redemption from egotism: James and Proust as spiritual exercises', in 'Telos", 3.3, 2001, pp. 243-263.
Part C: In class and on the course's Moodle site, information will be given on the literary, figurative, dramatic and cinematographic works that students will be required to study and discuss.
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 the works of Dewey and Gadamer scheduled for parts A and B. Students preparing the examination for 9 ECTS credits will also have to study Rorty's essays scheduled for the same parts A and B. For part C the study of works from different arts is planned, which must be known in part (i.e. a selection) or all of them depending on whether you are preparing for the 6 or 9 ECTS credits exam (further indications will be given in class and on the Moodle website).
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.
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.
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.
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
Professor(s)
Reception:
Fridays, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, by appointment.
Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, Modern studies section, second floor