COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

The course is part of the LCSL degree course. Aim of the course is to provide fundamental critical tools for a comparative analysis of literary texts; to familiarise the students with the theoretical debate on different possible ways of comparing literary texts, namely: thematic comparative analysis; comparative study of the models of thinking and knowledge whereby the literary expression is informed; comparative analysis of the modes of literary representation: styles, genres, poetic diction etc.; to provide pertinent tools for an interdisciplinary and intercultural reading of the literary texts.

Knowledge and Understanding.
Knowledge of the fundamental theoretical tools for the comparative analysis of literary texts. Knowledge of the literary traditions of the countries in which the studied languages are spoken.
Competence.
Appropriate application of the acquired theoretical knowledge described above; to methodically develop an interdisciplinary approach to the subjects of study; to develop theoretical attention to the problem of the linguistic and cultural transfert of literay texts; to formulate, organise and develop autonomous research activities connected to the subject of study; to organise a scientific bibliography pertinently connected to a specific topic of study.
To develop a personal critical perspective on a specif subject of study and to debate it publicly.
Abilities.
To improve one’s abilities in scholarly oral and written expression.

The course has no specific pre-requisites

VENICE, FROM THE UNDERWORLD: THE LOST OBJECT AND ITS RECOVERY.
Trough a close reading of Albertine disparue by Marcel Proust and The Aspern Papers by Henry James, the course addresses the narrative, meta-poetic and psychological theme of the ‘lost object’ and its recovery on the stage of a Venetian Underworld scenario. Selected readings from Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s Andreas oder die Vereinigten will also provide essential cues in exploring the narrative device based on the loss-and-reunion dynamic.

Marcel Proust, Albertine disparue, éd. Anne Chevalier, Paris, Gallimard, Collection Folio, 2016 [1992]
(Italian translation by Giovanni Raboni, Albertine scomparsa, in Alla ricerca del tempo perduto, ‘I Meridiani’ Mondadori, vol. IV, now also available in the Collection ‘Oscar Mondadori’).
Henry James, The Aspern Papers, ed. Adrian Poole, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2013 (1908 New York Edition text)
(Italian translation in Romanzi brevi di Henry James, ‘I Meridiani’ Mondadori, vol. II, ed. by Sergio Perosa. Cfr. also Gilberto Sacerdoti’s translation, Venezia, Marsilio, 1991. The text edited and translated is the 1888 text ).

Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Andreas oder die Vereinigten, Berlin, Holzinger, 2017.
(Italian translation Andrea o i ricongiunti , a c. di Giovanna Bemporad, Milano, Adelphi, 2019 [1970]).

The learning will be verified by means of an oral examination. Facultative paper.

Front lectures. Programmed students’ presentations.

The students unable to attend classes should refer to the lecturer for additional readings.

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development