18TH CENTURY STUDIES

The general aims of the module, with regard to the course of studies to which it belongs are:
1) to increase the knowledge and comprehension of English literature at higher (M.A.) level, through the study of its development in the eighteenth century;
2) to acquire a better command of theoretical approaches, hermeneutical tools for textual analysis and close reading; along with acquiring the competence to contextualise them in the historical and literary background;
3) to be able to comprehend English culture (specifically in the eighteenth century) through a better understanding of its relevant texts and documents. Students will learn the history of English literature both from a cultural and an aesthetic viewpoint, as well as in its relation with the political and social history of England and Great Britain. They will apply their hermeneutic abilities to the comprehension of complex literary texts, their relation with the cultural and socio-political background, their rhetorical strategies and aesthetic qualities. They will be able to produce a discussion of complex texts and connect them to the historical framework to which they belong.

The module will be taught entirely in English.

The module will provide the critical tools to be able, among other things,
1) to provide a detailed analysis of literary texts, and related texts;
2) to enter a dialogue with the critical state of art on texts and themes, and debate one's positions in public;
3) to work within various intercultural contexts;
4) to provide critical commentaries, and short essays in English, using the critical-hermeneutical knowledge acquired in the module, also through a personal reading of texts;
5) to conduct an autonomous bibliographic search in English.

In the Joint Degree / Double Degree course the acquired competence with be implemented in an interaction with the students, and in the contexts, of the universities participating in the consortium.

Good general knowledge of the cultural and literary history of English literature.
Students are expected to acquire a general knowledge of history and cultural history in the long eighteenth century, and read the novels in the programme ahead of classes.

A very good command of the English language (≥C1) will be needed in order to understand, and comment on, the texts.
All lessons will be delivered in English.

Course Title: Passions and Happiness in Eighteenth-Century Fiction

This interdisciplinary course explores the themes of human passions and happiness in eighteenth-century literature, highlighting their significance in both philosophical and literary contexts. The pursuit of happiness, a central concern of the period, is intricately linked to human passions, which can inspire positive actions or reveal darker impulses that disrupt societal harmony.
Students will examine four novels featuring "sentimental characters", or characters engaged in a sentimental context of action, focusing on how emotions and decision-making—especially regarding women's roles—are portrayed. This course aims to deepen understanding of the interplay between passion and happiness and their implications for character development and societal critique.

Objectives:
- Analyse the portrayal of human passions and happiness in the selected novels.
- Understand the philosophical and cultural foundations of emotion in literature.
- Explore gender roles in emotional expression and decision-making.

By engaging with these themes, students will gain a nuanced appreciation of eighteenth-century literature and its reflections on the human experience.

Section A. Primary literature (the texts will be discussed in class)
All students are asked to read the following novels entire:
1. Henry Mackenzie, "The Man of Feeling" (ed. Maureen Harkin, Broadview Press)
2. Elizabeth Inchbald, "A Simple Story" (ed. J.M.S. Tompkins, Oxford Classics)
3. Mary Hays, "Memoirs of Emma Courtney" (ed. Eleanor Ty, Oxford Classics)
4. Jane Austen, "Persuasion" (ed. by James Kinsley, Oxford Classics)

Section B. A general knowledge of the cultural history of the eighteenth century is required to understand the module's contents. This text will provide a good overview of the context of eighteenth-century literature and culture:
P. Goring, "Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture" (Continuum, 2008), BALI library EX4 Gor/Eig

Other, *non mandatory*, critical texts on the above-mentioned novels will be recommended for reading during the course.

Written exam.
The test will be made of questions with open answers and will be divided into three parts:
A. Two or three questions on the history of eighteenth-century literature and culture, general aspects of the course taught in the module, general background as in the critical books (see "Texts" section, Section B ) (each with 6 to 10 line long answers) (Aim 1)* (up to 10/30)
B. A short essay (one sheet long answer) based on one of the literary texts discussed in class; see "Texts", section A (Aim 2) (up to 10/30)
C. Two questions (each with 10 line long answers) on the topics, contents, style, of the "Texts", section A (Aim 3) (up to 10/30)

Students will be allowed to use a monolingual English dictionary only. The use of smartphones, tablets and other devices is not allowed during the exam.
Time allowed: 2 hours


* Aims: see "Inquadramento dell'insegnamento" above.

written

A. Two or three questions on the history of eighteenth-century literature and culture, general aspects of the course taught in the module, general background as in the critical books (see "Texts" section, Section B ) (each with 6 to 10 line long answers) (Aim 1)* (up to 10/30)
B. A short essay (one sheet long answer) based on one of the literary texts discussed in class; see "Texts", section A (Aim 2) (up to 10/30)
C. Two questions (each with 10 line long answers) on the topics, contents, style, of the "Texts", section A (Aim 3) (up to 10/30)

Front lectures

Students are kindly requested to read the novels in the programme ahead of the lectures. The teacher will discuss them in class with the students.

All lessons will be taught in English

English

"701 students" can access lesson recordings and materials on the module's Moodle platform for one month from the lesson date. If they can, they are kindly requested to contact the teacher as early as possible.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development