TRAVEL LITERATURE AND THE MEDITERRANEAN MOD.1

The course is part of the core subjects of the Italian and Mediterranean Studies degree program. Its aim is to provide students with basic analytical tools in the field of comparative literature. The objectives of the course are to introduce students to travel literature, with a particular focus on the relationship between the train and modernity.

1.Knowledge and understanding
- To introduce students to comparative literature, and in particular to travel literature.
- Understand in what and why the status of literature differs from other verbal and non-verbal arts.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
- Use the terminology of the discipline correctly. Know how to apply the acquired knowledge to understand the peculiarities of the literary text compared to the other linguistic and non-linguistic codes.
3. Judgment skills.
- Know how to formulate and argue what has been coherently learned, while demonstrating that it has been acquired an autonomous attitude with respect to the issues transmitted.
4. Communication skills
Develop an approach both explanatory and interpretive, interacting with the recipient, either real or virtual, to achieve a personal evaluation, that could also be alternative, attentive to the pragmatics of communication.

Knowledge of some primary notions of historiography, criticism and theory, with particular regard to the literary field.

The course explores the relationship between literature, the train, and modernity, analyzing how the introduction of the railway transformed the experience of travel, the perception of space and time, and narrative forms. Through texts from different literary traditions, the course focuses in particular on the representation of the train in travel literature and its role in the modern imagination

Mandatory Texts:
Wolfgang Schivelbusch, The Railway Journey
Emile Zola, The Human Beast

Excerpts from:
Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
Charles Dickens, Dombey and Son
Charles Dickens, The Signal Man
Graham Green, Stramboul Train
Anton Checov, The Third Class Carriage

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral test, during which the student must demonstrate knowledge of the topics developed during the course and proving to know how to expose them in a formal way.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Grade Qualitative Description
18/30 Barely sufficient: minimal knowledge, incomplete answers, minor conceptual errors.
19–20/30 Sufficient: general understanding, weak but acceptable presentation.
21–22/30 Fair: adequate knowledge, correct but superficial answers.
23–24/30 Fair–Good: mostly accurate content, clear understanding, minor terminology issues.
25–26/30 Good: solid command of material, clear and coherent explanations.
27–28/30 Very Good: comprehensive knowledge, fluent and precise exposition, analytical ability.
29/30 Almost Excellent: strong preparation, critical analysis, excellent delivery.
30/30 Excellent: complete mastery, flawless and rigorous answers.
30 with honors Outstanding with honors: performance exceeding expectations, includes original insights.

Seminar, Frontal Lessons, and in-class presentation by studentis

Frequency is recommended