Italian Literature
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The first part intends to offer some exemplary critical readings taken from the main texts of the Italian literary tradition. The second will deepen in a monographic form a work, an author or a literary current.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge of the main currents of Italian medieval, early modern and modern literature, set in their historic and cultural context, with special emphasis on their literary and linguistic peculiarities. Elements of rhetoric and metric. Interpretive tools of critical analysis. Understanding of the specificities of literary texts. Familiarity with the basics of critical scholarship. Acquisition of a personal and grounded judgement. Clarity and rigor of the analysis through a proper use of the critical vocabulary.
Lesson period: First 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
Group 1A
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
ITAL-01/A - Italian Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Marazzi Martino
Part C
ITAL-01/A - Italian Literature - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Marazzi Martino
Group 1B
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course, reserved for Bachelor's degree students whose surnames begin with letters between M and Z, is divided into three parts (A, B and C), which are covered in sequence:
Part A: Italian literature from its origins to Machiavelli: key authors and texts (20 hours).
Part B: Italian literature from Ariosto to Leopardi: key authors and texts (20 hours).
Part C: Dante and Francis (20 hours).
Parts A and B - which are institutional in nature and serve as preparation for the compulsory written examination - examine, from a historical perspective, key authors and texts (including those within a broader European context) of Italian literature from its origins to the early 19th century.
Part C - which is monographic in nature - focuses on the theme of Dante and Francis.
Parts A and B - which are of a general nature and serve as preparation for the compulsory written examination - examine, from a historical perspective, key authors and texts (including within a broader European context) of Italian literature from its origins to the early 19th century:
The dawn of Italian poetry: poets of the court of Frederick II
A new way of expressing love in rhyme: the Dolce stil novo
Fragments of a soul: Francesco Petrarca and the Rerum vulgarium fragmenta
Reasoning in the garden: Giovanni Boccaccio and the Decameron
A treatise on current politics: Niccolò Machiavelli and The Prince
The Poem of Beauty: Ludovico Ariosto and Orlando Furioso
Nocturnes: Torquato Tasso, the Rime and Jerusalem Delivered
World and Theatre: Carlo Goldoni and the Reform of the Theatre
Love and Guilt: Vittorio Alfieri, Mirra
Literature and Life: Ugo Foscolo, The Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis, Sonnets and the poem Dei Sepolcri
A Wedding on the Lake: Alessandro Manzoni and The Betrothed
The Infinite Beyond the Hedge: Giacomo Leopardi, The Infinite.
Part C - of a monographic nature - focuses on Dante and Francis (Paradiso XI).
Part A: Italian literature from its origins to Machiavelli: key authors and texts (20 hours).
Part B: Italian literature from Ariosto to Leopardi: key authors and texts (20 hours).
Part C: Dante and Francis (20 hours).
Parts A and B - which are institutional in nature and serve as preparation for the compulsory written examination - examine, from a historical perspective, key authors and texts (including those within a broader European context) of Italian literature from its origins to the early 19th century.
Part C - which is monographic in nature - focuses on the theme of Dante and Francis.
Parts A and B - which are of a general nature and serve as preparation for the compulsory written examination - examine, from a historical perspective, key authors and texts (including within a broader European context) of Italian literature from its origins to the early 19th century:
The dawn of Italian poetry: poets of the court of Frederick II
A new way of expressing love in rhyme: the Dolce stil novo
Fragments of a soul: Francesco Petrarca and the Rerum vulgarium fragmenta
Reasoning in the garden: Giovanni Boccaccio and the Decameron
A treatise on current politics: Niccolò Machiavelli and The Prince
The Poem of Beauty: Ludovico Ariosto and Orlando Furioso
Nocturnes: Torquato Tasso, the Rime and Jerusalem Delivered
World and Theatre: Carlo Goldoni and the Reform of the Theatre
Love and Guilt: Vittorio Alfieri, Mirra
Literature and Life: Ugo Foscolo, The Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis, Sonnets and the poem Dei Sepolcri
A Wedding on the Lake: Alessandro Manzoni and The Betrothed
The Infinite Beyond the Hedge: Giacomo Leopardi, The Infinite.
Part C - of a monographic nature - focuses on Dante and Francis (Paradiso XI).
Prerequisites for admission
The course is open to undergraduate students whose surnames begin with a letter between M and Z. Attendance is strongly recommended. Non-attending students are advised to enrol on the Italian Literature course (Group C).
There are no prerequisites. The course is taught entirely in Italian.
There are no prerequisites. The course is taught entirely in Italian.
Teaching methods
Lectures, including critical discussions and analysis of literary texts. Use of projector to facilitate note-taking. Integral handouts will also be provided for some lectures.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes and handouts have been uploaded to the Ariel page for Parts A and B of the course.
For Part C:
Dante Alighieri, Paradiso, Canto XI.
Donato Pirovano, Dante di Porta San Pietro, Rome, Donzelli, 2026.
Antonio Musarra, Il mondo secondo Francesco d'Assisi, Bologna, il Mulino, 2026.
For Part C:
Dante Alighieri, Paradiso, Canto XI.
Donato Pirovano, Dante di Porta San Pietro, Rome, Donzelli, 2026.
Antonio Musarra, Il mondo secondo Francesco d'Assisi, Bologna, il Mulino, 2026.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination (conducted entirely in Italian) consists of a preliminary written test (which may be taken in one of three sessions: December 2026, May 2027 or September 2027) and an oral examination (to be taken in one of the examination sessions as per the academic calendar) only after the written test has been passed. Both tests are compulsory and contribute to the overall final mark.
The written test covers the material in Part A and Part B, and consists of three questions: two open-ended questions on aspects and authors of Italian literature covered during the first 40 hours of lessons, and an exercise involving paraphrasing and commenting on a text (or part of a text) analysed in class. The time allowed for the written test is 90 minutes. Assessment is expressed as follows: unsatisfactory - satisfactory - more than satisfactory - fair - more than fair - good - more than good - excellent. In particular, the ability to provide accurate information whilst constructing a clear and coherent argument, and to offer a precise paraphrase and commentary on the text provided, will be positively assessed. During the written exam, no materials may be consulted: neither books, nor notes, nor a dictionary.
The oral examination covers only the material from Part C (the final 20 hours) and consists of an interview designed to assess students' knowledge of the topic 'Dante and Francis', their ability to apply specific knowledge (particularly in paraphrasing and commenting on Paradiso XI), and their clarity of expression.
The final exam mark (which takes into account both the written and oral components) is expressed out of 30.
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended.
Students unable to attend lectures are invited to visit the lecturer during office hours, who will provide specific guidance on supplementary reading to make up for missed attendance. International students and incoming Erasmus students who have particular difficulties with the Italian language may email the lecturer to arrange a consultation and agree on a tailored programme. The course syllabus is valid until February 2028.
Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be agreed in good time with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
The written test covers the material in Part A and Part B, and consists of three questions: two open-ended questions on aspects and authors of Italian literature covered during the first 40 hours of lessons, and an exercise involving paraphrasing and commenting on a text (or part of a text) analysed in class. The time allowed for the written test is 90 minutes. Assessment is expressed as follows: unsatisfactory - satisfactory - more than satisfactory - fair - more than fair - good - more than good - excellent. In particular, the ability to provide accurate information whilst constructing a clear and coherent argument, and to offer a precise paraphrase and commentary on the text provided, will be positively assessed. During the written exam, no materials may be consulted: neither books, nor notes, nor a dictionary.
The oral examination covers only the material from Part C (the final 20 hours) and consists of an interview designed to assess students' knowledge of the topic 'Dante and Francis', their ability to apply specific knowledge (particularly in paraphrasing and commenting on Paradiso XI), and their clarity of expression.
The final exam mark (which takes into account both the written and oral components) is expressed out of 30.
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended.
Students unable to attend lectures are invited to visit the lecturer during office hours, who will provide specific guidance on supplementary reading to make up for missed attendance. International students and incoming Erasmus students who have particular difficulties with the Italian language may email the lecturer to arrange a consultation and agree on a tailored programme. The course syllabus is valid until February 2028.
Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be agreed in good time with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
ITAL-01/A - Italian Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Pirovano Donato
Part C
ITAL-01/A - Italian Literature - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Pirovano Donato
Group 1C
Lesson period
First semester
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
ITAL-01/A - Italian Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
ITAL-01/A - Italian Literature - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 04.30 P.M
Piazza sant'Alessandro, first floor, near Spanish studies