COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

The course is part of the LCSL degree course. Aim of the course is to
provide fundamental critical tools for a comparative analysis of literary
texts; to familiarise the students with the theoretical debate on different
possible ways of comparing literary texts, namely: thematic comparative analysis; comparative study of the models of thinking and knowledge
whereby the literary expression is informed; comparative analysis of the
modes of literary representation: styles, genres, poetic diction etc.; to
provide pertinent tools for an interdisciplinary and intercultural reading
of the literary texts.

Knowledge and Understanding.
Knowledge of the fundamental theoretical tools for the comparative
analysis of literary texts. Knowledge of the literary traditions of the
countries in which the studied languages are spoken.
Competence.
Appropriate application of the acquired theoretical knowledge described
above; to methodically develop an interdisciplinary approach to the
subjects of study; to develop theoretical attention to the problem of the
linguistic and cultural transfert of literay texts; to formulate, organise
and develop autonomous research activities connected to the subject of
study; to organise a scientific bibliography pertinently connected to a
specific topic of study.
To develop a personal critical perspective on a specif subject of study and
to debate it publicly.
Abilities.
To improve one’s abilities in scholarly oral and written expression.

The course has no specific requirements.The texts, read in the original language (English, French, German, Portuguese, and where necessary Latin and Greek), will be translated in class by the teacher. Students may read the texts in Italian and, if necessary, in the original language(s) they know without any constraints (if the student does not know the original language of reference, knowledge of the text in Italian will be required).

FOR THE DETAILED SYLLABUS, LESSON BY LESSON, PLEASE SEE THE LINK TO THE MOODLE COURSE SPACE (THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CHARACTERS ALLOWED FOR THIS PAGE IS TOO LIMITED TO BE ABLE TO DRAW UP A DETAILED SYLLABUS).

COURSE TITLE AND THEME:

THE MODERN HERO: HAMLET, DOM JUAN, FAUST/Shakespeare Molière Marlowe Goethe Pessoa
The course consists of an investigation into the figure of the modern hero - who is the “modern hero”? In what sense do we say “hero”? In what sense do we say “modern”? What does the modern hero represent? What intellectual and experiential instances? - explored through the figures of Hamlet, Dom Juan and Faust and the poetic writings of Shakespeare, Molière, Marlowe and Goethe who created them for their own time and ours.

W. Shakespeare, Hamlet
J. B. Molière, Dom Juan
C. Marlowe, Doctor Faustus
J. W. Goethe, Faust

The learning will be verified by means of an oral examination, which will focus on the themes, the problems and the texts explored and read in class.

oral

30 L : excellent. Impeccable knowledge of the texts read in the original language (English for all, and for other languages where the student has knowledge of French, Spanish, Portuguese, German) original and personal reworking of the contents of the course.
30 excellent. Excellent knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.
29 excellent. Very good knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.
28 near excellent. Very and good knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.
27 very good. More than good knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.
24 to 26: between good and fair. Fair (24) to good (25-26) knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.
22 to 23: Between almost fair and fair. Nearly fair to fair knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.
18 to 22: Between sufficient and more than sufficient. Sufficient or more than sufficient knowledge of the texts read in the original language and of the contents of the course.

Front lectures. Programmed students’ presentations.

For students who are unable to complete their classroom preparation by attending lectures, some supplementary texts and materials will be agreed with the professor.