ENGLISH LITERATURE 1

This course is linked to the three-year undergraduate English curriculum. In addition to aiming for the improvement of language proficiency (building upon an acquired B2 level), it introduces students to the knowledge and understanding of major English literary and cultural phenomena.

The course aims to introduce the knowledge and understanding of the main literary, artistic, and cultural developments in England over the last three centuries. This foundational training includes: 1) The ability to read, translate, and contextualise a literary text, providing critical commentary. 2) The acquisition of text analysis methodologies appropriate to the nature of the content. 3) The ability to effectively communicate reflections on texts and socio-cultural processes using appropriate academic language.

Language Proficiency: B2 Level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). A general knowledge of English literature and its historical context is highly beneficial.

Course Title: "English Children’s Literature from ALICE to HARRY POTTER: Fantastic Creatures and Imaginary Monsters"

The course will analyse the development of children's literature in England from its origins to the contemporary era, with particular emphasis on the last three centuries. Priority will be given to the analysis of the fantasy genre, exploring its formal characteristics and the relationship this narrative genre maintains with a "dual audience" of both adults and children. Within the various course themes, special attention will be dedicated to fantastic creatures and imaginary monsters, as part of a critical discourse on monstrosity and "otherness."

ALL texts listed (Sections A, B, and C) are MANDATORY to pass the exam:

A) Primary Texts:

Lewis Carroll, ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS (Recommended edition: The Annotated Alice: The Definitive Edition, ed. by Martin Gardner, Penguin, 2001).
J. R. R. Tolkien, THE HOBBIT, OR THERE AND BACK AGAIN.
J. K. Rowling, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN.

B) Criticism and Context:

Laura Tosi and Alessandra Petrina (eds), DALL'ABC a HARRY POTTER. STORIA DELLA LETTERATURA INGLESE PER L'INFANZIA E LA GIOVENTU, Bononia University Press, 2011.

C) Materials made available on the MOODLE platform. These materials are part of the mandatory readings and the exam programme. Students are expected to read them in order to discuss them in class when indicated by the instructor.

The written exam (in Italian) consists of four questions on the history of children's literature in England, and the translation and analysis of a short passage from one of the primary texts. The student must demonstrate the ability to understand, translate, and evaluate the passage critically and independently. Questions will cover lecture notes, Moodle materials, and all mandatory texts. Studying DALL'ABC a HARRY POTTER is essential for exam preparation. Students must demonstrate mastery of the content included in reference texts and class discussions, knowledge of the socio-cultural context of children’s literature, the application of basic textual analysis tools, and the ability to articulate independent judgments.

written

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.

Evaluation grid:
28-30L: mastery of the topics covered in class and in the manuals; ability to hierarchize information; use of appropriate technical terminology;
26-27: good knowledge of the topics covered in class and, to a lesser extent, in the manuals; fair ability to organize information and present it orally; familiarity with technical terminology;
24-25: fair knowledge of the topics covered in class and in the manuals; orderly oral presentation; use of technical terminology is not always correct;
22-23: often superficial knowledge of the topics covered in class and in the manuals; unclear oral presentation lacking in technical terminology;
18-21: knowledge of the topics covered in class and in the manuals is at times incomplete; confused oral presentation, with little use of technical terminology.

In-person lectures delivered in Italian, utilising PowerPoint presentations and Moodle resources.

It is highly recommended to read ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS (in the suggested edition) before the start of the course. To follow the lessons effectively, students must download all materials available on the Moodle platform.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development