MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE I SP

Module (characterizing) aimed to analyze some specific aspects of the narratological dimension of twentieth-century literature and literary criticism, focusing in particular on the function of the Reader. Through the detailed analysis of a theoretical study on the function of the Reader and its implications in the textual structure, we intend to provide a theoretical and analytical perspective applied on some fundamental technical aspects of the functioning of the literary text, developing a specific approach to the text, starting from the understanding of its constitutive junctions and its dynamic structure to arrive at the consideration of its aims and effects on the reader.

The expected results of learning refer to the knowledge and ability to identify the different elements of the literary work, with particular attention to the function of the Reader and its implications in the textual structure. It will therefore be possible to acquire an effective awareness of the functioning and structure of a literary text and the direct ability to identify the critical points and mechanisms functional to a critical-interpretative reading of the text itself, particularly in relation to the function of the Reader and the methods of reading.

Knowledge of the basic structure and functioning of the literary text and knowledge of the general frameworks of the history of literature (in particular of the modern and contemporary period); general knowledge of the main problems related to the critical approach to the literary text. The prerequisites here indicated are an integral part of the natural path of the three-year degree in Lettere - Scienze del testo letterario e della comunicazione.

Overview of the constitutive aspects of the narrative text, with particular attention to the function of the Reader and its implications in the textual structure.

Mandatory texts:
UMBERTO ECO, “Sei passeggiate nei boschi narrativi, Harvard University, Norton Lectures 1992-1993”, Milano, Bompiani, 1994 (o edizioni successive);
DANIEL PENNAC, “Come un romanzo”, trad. it. di Yasmina Melaouah, Milano, Feltrinelli, 1998 (o edizioni successive);
ITALO CALVINO, “Se una notte d'inverno un viaggiatore”, Torino, Einaudi, 1979.

Integrative reading:
HERMANN GROSSER, “Narrativa. Manuale/Antologia”, Milano, Principato, 1985.

Students who do not attend classes are expected to read a novel in which the Reader function is active and relevant.

The exam will consist of some questions which will stimulate an active conversation about the topics covered in class and included in the program. The questions will aim in particular to verify the mastery of content.

There are several exam methods available (including the possibility of writing an analysis of a literary text of your choice in which the Reader function is active and relevant):
- Exam for non-attending students: as planned, the texts of Eco, Pennac, Calvino, the volume of Grosser and the reading of a text of your choice in which the Reader function is active and relevant
- Exam for attending students: topics covered in class, Eco's text, Pennac's text, Calvino’s text and Grosser's volume.
- Exam with essay without exposition in the classroom: essay to be delivered about ten days before the exam and to be presented in summary during the exam; a couple of additional questions on Eco's text.
- Exam with essay exposed in the classroom: classroom exposition (30 to 45 minutes); delivery of the essay in a definitive form about ten days before the exam; during the exam a short conversation in relation to the essay itself.

Lectures and seminars. The second half of the module, structured mostly as a seminar, will include presentations by students who attend the course. The seminar work option allows an active application in the textual analysis, thus providing a more articulated, complete and formative experience.
The MOODLE platform is also used to support teaching, in which additional materials are inserted (specific in-depth materials linked to topics covered in class) and in which it is possible to interact: an online reference point for communications and notices.

Italian

The module is scheduled for the first semester and is divided into two parts: a first part in the first half of the semester and a second part in the second half of the semester.

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