29003 - Italian Romantic Literature (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the main texts of Italian Romanticism and how to put them in the context of European culture. In particular the student knows the forms (lyric, novel, autobiography, diary), authors (Leopardi, Manzoni, Nievo, etc.), and movements that represent the true beginning of Italian modernity. The student knows how to analyse texts based on a series of cultural aspects of the history of ideas: evolution of sensibility, research that is internal to forms, relationships with the other arts (painting, music), formation of cultural paradigms that continue into the 20th century.

Course contents

The Promessi sposi, a novel for the Twentyfirst century.

The course is based on the analysis of Manzoni's novel, taking into account contemporary literary and transmedial versions. Interpretations of 21st century's writers and fundamental essays will be especially taken into account.

The course implies a deep knowledge of Manzoni's novel.

Students with DSA or permanent / temporary disabilities are invited to contact the appointed office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) and Professor Bazzocchi, in order to find the best ways for them to keep up with the course and prepare the exam.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Students will prepare the following texts:

1. G. Bassani, I Promessi sposi. Un esperimento, a c. di S.S. Nigro, Sellerio (2007)

2. G. Testori, La monaca di Monza e I Promessi alla prova (testi teatrali e visivi da cercare su youtube, canale del Teatro F. Parenti)

3. L. Sciascia, discorsi critici su Manzoni (verranno distribuiti a lezione)

4. E. Raimondi, Le buone letture, a c. di M. A. Bazzocchi (Mulino 2025)

5. S.S. Nigro, La funesta docilità (Sellerio, 2018)

Filmografia:

I Promessi sposi di M. Camerini (1941)

I Promessi sposi di S. Bolchi (1967)

Teaching methods

The course is based on the reading, the analysis and the discussion of the literary texts in bibliography.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of a viva voce examination aiming to assess the knowledge and critical skills acquired by the candidate during the course.

1. First-class marks will be awarded to candidates who demonstrate an ability to analyse texts in depth and to produce an organic overview of the topics covered in the course. Overall mark between 27 and 30 cum laude (high linguistic ability is required).

2. A mostly mnemonic knowledge of the subject, analytical skills lacking depth, and correct but not always apposite expression will result in a modest mark. Overall mark between 23 and 26.

3. Elementary knowledge, superficial understanding, poor analytical skills, and inapposite expression will lead to a pass or only slightly higher mark. Overall mark between 18 and 22.

4. Gaps in the candidate’s knowledge, inapposite language, and inadequate engagement with the secondary literature offered in the course will result in a fail mark.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Antonio Bazzocchi