PHILOSOPHY OF LITERATURE

The course introduces the knowledge of the relationship between philosophy and literature in different areas of philosophical debate. Among its dimensions, the comparison between literary and ordinary language, the relationship between fiction and imagination, and the forms of knowledge that constitute properties of literature are analysed through the main modern and contemporary theories. This course lies at the intersection of the Philosophy and Literature degree courses, for which it is intended, but welcomes anyone interested in artistic expression through an analysis of literary language in its relations with other codes of expression (film, music, visual and performing arts).

The students, on successful completion of this module, will be able to:

1. identify theorical and historical-critical dimensions [knowledge and understanding]
2. critically engage with philosophical arguments organizing them [applying knowledge and understanding]
3. differentiate positions within the contemporary philosophical landscapes [making judgments]
4. present personally or in a group a close reading of a relevant text through a critical analysis [communication skills]

- A knowledge and interest in international literature.
- Additional and supplementary materials will be made available online on the course's moodle space. Tools to refine one's knowledge at the intersection of the two disciplines will also be recommended.
- The course is primarily intended for those enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Philosophy programmes. Prior to the course, it is possible to contact the lecturer (cecilia.rofena@unive.it) to ask for clarification on the study and commitment related to the course structure and examination programme.

«Literature and experience»

The course offers a theoretical analysis of the problem of the relationship between fiction and reality. Among the main perspectives of the course is the creation of a space for discussion and analysis in order to clarify the concepts of fiction, imagination, make-believe in the relations of different disciplines.
This relationship is investigated through analytical readings of different materials: poems, novels, plays and films.
Details of the course content and aspects are clarified in the specific Moodle space.

N.B.: The Moodle platform contains all the latest information about the examination programme and the structure of the lessons.

- W. Benjamin, «Il narratore. Considerazioni sull'opera di Nicola Leskov», in «Angelus novus», Einaudi
- E. Auerbach, «Mimesis. Il realismo nella letteratura occidentale», Einaudi (una selezione)
- H. Putnam, «Letteratura, scienza e riflessione», in Id. «Verità e etica», Il Saggiatore
- S. Cavell, «Il ripudio del sapere. Lo scetticismo nel teatro di Shakespeare», Einaudi (una selezione)
- A.G. Gargani, «La frase infinita.Thomas Bernhard e la cultura austriaca», Laterza

For an introduction to the discipline: C. Barbero, «Filosofia della letteratura», Carocci
For an introduction to the course topics: C. Rofena, «Errore e finzione. Logiche poetiche e poetiche filosofiche», Moretti & Vitali

Method of final evaluation, written examination based on texts considered during the course.

- The examination consists of a written task consisting of three questions: the answers must be articulated and argued, according to a clear illustration of the explanation needed to provide, in a correct and coherent manner, the necessary justification together with the best organisation of the knowledge considered relevant. The assignment takes four hours.

written

17: FAIL
18-20: PASS
The essential topics and content of the course have been acquired; the ability to articulate the fundamental issues of the course is essential. There is a lack of confident and articulate elaboration of the proposed topics and a complete mastery of the theoretical assumptions.
21-23: SATISFACTORY
Knowledge of the content is adequate, although not in-depth, and the vocabulary is appropriate, although not articulated through independent critical reflection. Expression and vocabulary can be improved to achieve complete argumentative ability.
24-26 GOOD
Knowledge and understanding of the content is confident, precise and competent. There are no errors or shortcomings in preparation and argumentative choices. The answers are adequately resolved with respect to the fundamental issues of the course.
27-28 VERY GOOD
The content and issues of the course are addressed with confidence in knowledge, elaborating the main issues of the course in a confident and independent manner, with personal insights. The vocabulary is clear and adequate. Knowledge is comprehensive and interdisciplinary connections are confident.
29-30 EXCELLENT
The understanding demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the content in its complexity, through a confident interdisciplinary awareness, with independent conceptual articulation, comparative skills and analysis consistent with the content. The preparation is complete and extensive, and all knowledge is achieved with complete mastery.
30 CUM LAUDE EXCELLENT
The competence acquired is expressed in a highly relevant manner, according to connections and comparisons that demonstrate, together with a confident command of knowledge, a quality of analysis that is particularly thorough and relevant to the issues addressed. Critical awareness demonstrates independent research work with a deeply mature and conscious logical and argumentative rigour.

Method of instruction: the main teaching methods of the course are the lecture and the lecture-discussion. Every student will be encouraged to participate in the discussion of the materials planning individual or small group seminars, in which new texts will be presented and discussed in relation to the course readings.
The course is designed for students in whom philosophical and literary interests are interrelated, with a good basic knowledge in literatures. Additional and supplementary materials will be made available online on the course's moodle space. For those who do not come from a philosophy degree, tools to refine their philosophical knowledge will be recommended and provided.
Lectures may be supplemented by external seminars.

- For those who attend the course, other texts (analysed in class) are planned and will be indicated in the moodle space, together with further bibliographical references.
- For those who choose not to attend the course, an interview with the lecturer is recommended at the beginning of the course and no later than one month before the chosen exam call; it is also advisable to use the moodle space for the introductory materials that will be made available to accompany the exam preparation with the analysis and commentary of the texts in the syllabus.
- For problems with disabilities or specific learning disorders, students may contact the Disability and DSA office, disabilita@unive.it, and the lecturer cecilia.rofena@unive.it

Ca' Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development