08846 - Comparative Literatures (A-L)

Learning outcomes

 

At the end of the course in Comparative literatures, via the careful analysis of significant works of western literature, students acquire the knowledge allowing them to deal with some of the main methodological nuclei of comparative studies; from the examination of the close intertwining existing between different national cultures, to the study of the complex relationships between literature and other languages (be they those of science, philosophy or criticism, or expressive ones such as painting, music, photography, theatre, cinema), up to the reconstruction of the recurrence of long lasting literary themes, spanning multiple nationalities.

Course contents

 

Identity and splitting: the theme of twins

Starting from Plautus’s Menaechmi, the theme of twins surfaces with extraordinary frequency in western literature and cinema. During the course texts whose plots pivot on pairs of twins will be analysed; an attempt will be made to outline permanence and variations of twin pair throughout the centuries.

Readings/Bibliography

Literary texts

T. M. Plautus: Menaechmi(*)

C. Goldoni: I due gemelli veneziani (*)

G. Sand: La petite Fadette (*)

M. Tournier: Les Météores [mandatory]

B. Chatwin: On the Black Hill (**)

A Kristof: Trilogie des jumeaux (**)

Z. Smith: White Teeth (**)

M. Fois: L'importanza dei luoghi comuni (*)

Films

C. Bernhardt: A Stolen Life

R. Siodmak: The Dark Mirror

B. De Palma: Sisters

D. Cronenberg: Dead Ringers

Theoretical Texts

S. Freud: Zur Einführung des Narzißmus and Das Unheimliche

J. Lacan: Le stade du miroir comme formateur de la fonction du Je

R. Zazzo: Le paradoxe des jumeaux

As well as the theoretical texts proposed, students aiming at taking the 12 Credit exam shall have to read Michel Tourniers Les Météores and the works by five authors amongst the eight listed: amongst the five chosen at least one will have to be a novel (marked by a double asterisk).

Students aiming at taking the 6 credit exam will have to read, as well as the theoretical texts and Michel Tournier’s Les Météores, three texts chosen amongst the eight listed: at least one of the three latter texts will have to be a novel (marked by a double asterisk).

 

Teaching methods

 

The course is based upon around 60 hours of lectures: students are invited to actively take part during the lectures and debate the subjects put forward.

Assessment methods

The final exam, consisting of face to face interviews, aims at verifying knowledge acquired through the reading of the works proposed and assess students’ critical skills. The students’ capacity to navigate literary and critical texts, contextualising them appropriately, shall be evaluated. An assessment of excellence will indicate an hermeneutical capacity on the part of the student to create connections between literary and critical texts, together with ascertained expository skills. Possible gaps in knowledge on matters discussed during the course and inappropriate, or confused language will entail low marks.

Teaching tools

 

Lectures will make use of PPTs, as well as film viewings. Any additional teaching material shall be made available to students on the site (link ‘Teaching tools – Materiale didattico)

Office hours

See the website of Ferdinando Amigoni