Scandinavian Literature
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course aims at developing interpretive and analytic skills in the evaluation of a specific thematic strand in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish literary works from the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, it will put the tools of text analysis to the test with a view to practice critical discussion and writing about relevant themes, texts and authors.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: students will approach Scandinavian 19th and 20th century literature by focusing on a chosen theme present in works by Danish, Norwegian and Swedish writers, they will acquire knowledge of the critical discussion and the tools of analysis regarding the chosen topic. Applying knowledge and understanding: students will learn how to examine a chosen theme by working knowledgeably with secondary literature, practice critical reading of texts written in all three Scandinavian languages, examine the primary literature with a critical eye.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course (6/9 CFU) will focus on contemporary intersemiotic adaptations of Scandinavian classics
(novels, short stories, fairy tales, films) from the 19th and 20th centuries (units B and C). For 6 CFU, follow the syllabus for units B and C; for 9 CFU, follow the full programme (units A, B and C).
Unit A: topic TBD.
Unit B will explore the language of comics from a narratological point of view and proceed to compare two comic art adaptations of a fairy tale by H.C. Andersen. It will also focus on Ingmar Bergman and popular culture, comparing the film *Persona* with a comic strip adaptation by Guido Crepax.
Unit C will examine comic art adaptations of works by Ibsen, Blixen and Fosse.
(novels, short stories, fairy tales, films) from the 19th and 20th centuries (units B and C). For 6 CFU, follow the syllabus for units B and C; for 9 CFU, follow the full programme (units A, B and C).
Unit A: topic TBD.
Unit B will explore the language of comics from a narratological point of view and proceed to compare two comic art adaptations of a fairy tale by H.C. Andersen. It will also focus on Ingmar Bergman and popular culture, comparing the film *Persona* with a comic strip adaptation by Guido Crepax.
Unit C will examine comic art adaptations of works by Ibsen, Blixen and Fosse.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is open to M.A. students in LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE FOR EDUCATION, CRITICISM AND TRANSLATION (Classe LM-37 R) and THEATRE, ARTS, LITERATURES. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN INTERMEDIALITY (Classe LM-37 R/ LM-65 R). An advanced knowledge of English is required.
Teaching methods
ALFA-type course, delivered in person: lectures, reading assignments and seminar-style discussions.
Teaching Resources
Unit A: TBD
Units B and C / GENERAL: Hutcheon, Linda, A Theory of Adaptation, Routledge, 2013, pp. 1-175 (Italian translation by L. Hutcheon, Teoria degli adattamenti). NB! Non-attending students are required to read this text in full; attending students are strongly advised to do so; STORSKOG, Camilla: Afterlives. Scandinavian Classics as Comic Art Adaptations, NAP 2023, ONLY the pages relating to the topics covered in class, available online: www.kriterium.se/site/books/m/10.21525/kriterium.42/ IN ADDITION: Vanderbeke, Dirk, "It Was the Best of Two Worlds, It Was the Worst of Two Worlds: The Adaptation of Novels in Comics and Graphic Novels", in: The Rise and Reason of Comics and Graphic Literature: Critical Essays on the Form. Eds. J. Goggin, D. Hassler Forest. MacFarland, 2010, pp. 104-118.
Unit B / PRIMARY READINGS: Andersen, H.C., *Historien om en Moder*; AKAB, *Storia di una madre*, Alessandro Berardinelli Editore, 2012; Madsen, Peter, *Historien om en mor*, Kbh, Carlsen, 2004; Bergman, Ingmar, *Persona*, DVD, 1966; Crepax, Guido, *Bianca in persona*, *Il Grifo* I:1, 1991, pp. 32-36.
Unit C / PRIMARY TEXTS: Ibsen, Henrik, Et Dukkehjem, 1879 in Norwegian at: https://www.ibsen.uio.no/DRVIT_Du%7CDuht.xhtml, Ghigliano, Cinzia, Nora, Milano, dalla parte delle bambine,
1978; Blixen, Karen, 'Den udødelige Historie', in: Skæbne-Anekdoter, Gyldendal, 1958; Crepax, Guido, La
storia immortale, in: Jekyll e altri classici della letteratura, Blackvelvet, 2011, pp. 176-186, oppure in Guido Crepax, Donne inquiete. Allucinazioni e vita privata, Mondadori comics, 2015, pp. 125-132; Welles, Orson, *Une Histoire immortelle*, DVD, 1968; Fosse, Jon, *Nokon kjem til å kome*, Samlaget, 2018; Duba, Pierre, *Quelqu'un va venir*, 6 pieds sous terre, 2002.
The primary literature may be read in the original language, in English or in Italian (any UNABRIDGED edition). Paratexts (introductions, prefaces, afterwords, notes, etc.), where present, are to be considered an integral part of the reading.
The course syllabus is valid until February 2028.
Units B and C / GENERAL: Hutcheon, Linda, A Theory of Adaptation, Routledge, 2013, pp. 1-175 (Italian translation by L. Hutcheon, Teoria degli adattamenti). NB! Non-attending students are required to read this text in full; attending students are strongly advised to do so; STORSKOG, Camilla: Afterlives. Scandinavian Classics as Comic Art Adaptations, NAP 2023, ONLY the pages relating to the topics covered in class, available online: www.kriterium.se/site/books/m/10.21525/kriterium.42/ IN ADDITION: Vanderbeke, Dirk, "It Was the Best of Two Worlds, It Was the Worst of Two Worlds: The Adaptation of Novels in Comics and Graphic Novels", in: The Rise and Reason of Comics and Graphic Literature: Critical Essays on the Form. Eds. J. Goggin, D. Hassler Forest. MacFarland, 2010, pp. 104-118.
Unit B / PRIMARY READINGS: Andersen, H.C., *Historien om en Moder*; AKAB, *Storia di una madre*, Alessandro Berardinelli Editore, 2012; Madsen, Peter, *Historien om en mor*, Kbh, Carlsen, 2004; Bergman, Ingmar, *Persona*, DVD, 1966; Crepax, Guido, *Bianca in persona*, *Il Grifo* I:1, 1991, pp. 32-36.
Unit C / PRIMARY TEXTS: Ibsen, Henrik, Et Dukkehjem, 1879 in Norwegian at: https://www.ibsen.uio.no/DRVIT_Du%7CDuht.xhtml, Ghigliano, Cinzia, Nora, Milano, dalla parte delle bambine,
1978; Blixen, Karen, 'Den udødelige Historie', in: Skæbne-Anekdoter, Gyldendal, 1958; Crepax, Guido, La
storia immortale, in: Jekyll e altri classici della letteratura, Blackvelvet, 2011, pp. 176-186, oppure in Guido Crepax, Donne inquiete. Allucinazioni e vita privata, Mondadori comics, 2015, pp. 125-132; Welles, Orson, *Une Histoire immortelle*, DVD, 1968; Fosse, Jon, *Nokon kjem til å kome*, Samlaget, 2018; Duba, Pierre, *Quelqu'un va venir*, 6 pieds sous terre, 2002.
The primary literature may be read in the original language, in English or in Italian (any UNABRIDGED edition). Paratexts (introductions, prefaces, afterwords, notes, etc.), where present, are to be considered an integral part of the reading.
The course syllabus is valid until February 2028.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam is an individual interview in which the candidate must defend their short essay handed in prior to the oral exam and, upon request, elaborate on aspects of it. The exam also involves questions posed by the instructor, interaction between instructor and student, analysis and commentary on one or more passages from the works on the syllabus. Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the course content, an ability to situate the works studied within their historical and literary context, and analyse their structural components, drawing, where appropriate, on the critical readings assigned. Preparation for the classes and active participation in class discussions will add to the final grade.
All students - whether they have attended classes or not - will be required to produce a short written assignment (min. 8,000 characters, max. 10,000) analysing a topic of their choice, approved by the lecturer, and drawing on one of the teaching units . The paper may be written in one of the three Scandinavian languages, in English or in Italian, and must be submitted to the lecturer no later than 10 days before the exam session the student intends to sit.
The final exam can be taken in a Scandinavian language, in English or in Italian. To pass, the final grade has to be within the range 18 to 30/30. Students have the right to reject the grade. International students or incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the instructor as soon as possible. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be
agreed with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
All students - whether they have attended classes or not - will be required to produce a short written assignment (min. 8,000 characters, max. 10,000) analysing a topic of their choice, approved by the lecturer, and drawing on one of the teaching units . The paper may be written in one of the three Scandinavian languages, in English or in Italian, and must be submitted to the lecturer no later than 10 days before the exam session the student intends to sit.
The final exam can be taken in a Scandinavian language, in English or in Italian. To pass, the final grade has to be within the range 18 to 30/30. Students have the right to reject the grade. International students or incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the instructor as soon as possible. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be
agreed with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
GERM-01/D - Nordic Languages and Literatures - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Storskog Camilla Carita
Part C
GERM-01/D - Nordic Languages and Literatures - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Storskog Camilla Carita
Professor(s)