28860 - History of the Italian Language (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student possesses advanced or specialized analytical tools and methods regarding the diachronic dimension of our language. The student knows how to analyse texts with adequate tools (historical grammars and dictionaries, online concordances of Old Italian, etc.) balanced by theoretical and methodological reflections on historical and cultural aspects of the Italian language.

Course contents

The module is divided into two parts (30 hours each).

Erasmus students are welcome to attend second semester course (February-May 2025).

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.

Topics for the first part:

Foreign words in Italian. History, typology, use of loanwords.

Topics for the second part:

Language an forms of talk into Discorso sopra lo stato presente dei costumi degl'italiani (1824) by Giacomo Leopardi.

The specific bibliography for each part of the module will be distributed in class during the first weeks.

Readings/Bibliography

The specific bibliography will be provided at the beginning of the module.

It is recommended you read (for both parts of the module) the main textbook: R. Tesi, Storia dell'italiano. La formazione della lingua comune dalle fasi iniziali al Rinascimento, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2007; Id:, Storia dell'italiano. La lingua moderna e contemporanea, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2005.

The reading of the textbook is compulsory (and will be assessed in the oral examination) for students who have not attended the module Storia della lingua italiana during the ‘laurea triennale’.

The program for non-attending students is available on the teacher's website, serction "Useful contents": www. unibo.it/sitoweb/riccardo.tesi/contenuti-utili/211a5429).

Teaching methods

Textual analysis of texts belong to past centuries with specialised approach.

Assessment methods

Students prepare both parts of the course for the examination.

The assessment for this module is on the methodology (specialised approach) of this discipline.

Students should demonstrate the ability to use all the bibliographical tools (paper and electronic) required to analyse a text that preferably belongs to past centuries.

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.

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Tesi