00975 - History of the Italian Language

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will have a knowledge and understanding of the historical evolution of the Italian language. Students will be able to identify the main turning points that characterise the history of the Italian language, from the grammatical codification in the Sixteenth Century to the most recent developments of “new Italian”. Students will learn to use an historical-linguistic ‘periodisation’, that is different from the standard historical-literary periodisation.

Course contents

Syllabus for students attending classes.

The module (12 credits) is composed of: 1) an introductory part; 2) an in-depth study/ themed part

Those students who take only the six-credit module are expected to study exclusively the introductory part 1), wich will integrate with the reading of R. Tesi, La lingua della grazia. Indagini sul “De vulgari eloquentia”, Padova Esedra, 2016.

1) Fondamenti di storia della lingua italiana

In addition to the material distributed and discussed in class, students are expected to study the entirety of the main textbook: R. Tesi, Storia dell'italiano. La formazione della lingua comune dalle fasi iniziali al Rinascimento, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2007.

2) Le lingue del Decameron. Analisi linguistica di alcune novelle sulla base dei più recenti strumenti per lo studio dell'italiano antico.

The main text is: G. Boccaccio, Decameron, a cura di V. Branca, Torino, Einaudi ("Tascabili Einaudi"), 1987 and successive editions.

The specific bibliography regarding this section will be provided in class.

To prepare for this section of the course, students must read the entirety of the second part of the main textbook: R. Tesi, Storia dell'italiano. La lingua moderna e contemporanea, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2005.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

R. Tesi, Storia dell'italiano. La formazione della lingua comune dalle fasi iniziali al Rinascimento, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2007.

R. Tesi, Storia dell'italiano. La lingua moderna e contemporanea Bologna, Zanichelli, 2005.

Teaching methods

There are no specific entry-requirements for this module. For Erasmus/international students a good knowledge of Italian (written) is requested

Assessment methods

Students explain the contents of text-books, with particular attention to historical-linguistic aspects. There are no written exams. For Erasmus/international students there is a shortened syllabus that is available online: Prof. Riccardo Tesi’s web page, section “contenuti utili”.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Texts will be analysed in class by using a projector.

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Tesi