Introduction to Italian Literature (204-0-20)
Topic
The Modern Italian Short Story
Instructors
Alessia Ricciardi
847/491-8259
1860 S. Campus Drive, Crowe Hall #2-133
Meeting Info
Kresge 5531 Comp Lit. Sem. Rm.: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course will examine the genre of the short story in modern and contemporary Italian literature. Storytelling has been a staple of Italian literature and culture since the days of Boccaccio, but the aesthetic, ethical, and cultural aspects of the genre certainly have changed in the last century. Can the modern short story still communicate ethical and social truths? Is the inherent, conclusive brevity and elegance of the genre paradoxically better able to capture the chaos of contemporary life?
We will examine works written in a realistic mode and in a fantastic style. Moreover, we will discuss the elements that define the two approaches with an emphasis on close reading and on the historical and social context of each text. We will focus in particular on issues of love, jealousy, sexuality, gender, friendship and youth culture as defined by Boccaccio, Verga, Morante, Ortese, Pavese, Calvino, Tabucchi and Tondelli.
Teaching Method
Taught in Italian, seminar style. The most difficult texts will be accompanied by the English translation.
Evaluation Method
- participation (30%)
- 2 oral presentations (20%)
- 2 short papers (2 pages) (20%)
- final paper (5-6 pages) (30%)
Class Materials (Required)
One reader made available on Canvas.
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area