RHETORIC

The course is part of the complementary and elective activities of the Master’s Degree in Italian Philology, Linguistics and Literature. It aims to provide advanced knowledge of rhetoric, considered both in its historical dimension and in its theoretical developments, with particular attention to the Italian tradition and to its dialogue with the language sciences (theory of discourse and argumentation, pragmatics, and text linguistics).
Within this framework, the course provides students with a solid theoretical and methodological foundation for the interpretation of literary and non-literary texts, as well as for understanding the main mechanisms of communication in relation to historical contexts and relevant theoretical frameworks.
By the end of the course, students will be able to understand different rhetorical conceptions in their historical context and to use the categories and tools of the discipline independently and critically.

1. Knowledge and understanding
1.1 knowledge of the history and theory of rhetoric, with particular reference to the main authors, models, and traditions addressed in the course;
1.2 knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theoretical categories of the discipline, especially in relation to figurative language, tropes, and argumentation;
1.3 understanding of the rhetorical and discursive processes underlying meaning construction in literary and non-literary texts.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
2.1 ability to apply the tools of rhetorical analysis to the study of the texts examined in class;
2.2 ability to analyse literary and non-literary texts with attention to argumentation, rhetorical figures, and style;
2.3 ability to interpret texts in relation to their relevant rhetorical models and traditions.
3. Making judgements
3.1 ability to carry out an independent and critically grounded analysis of a text or rhetorical phenomenon;
3.2 ability to assess the adequacy of rhetorical models and analytical tools applied to texts.
4. Communication skills
4.1 ability to communicate the results of rhetorical analysis both orally and in writing, using appropriate technical language and coherent argumentation.
5. Learning skills
5.1 ability to study reference texts independently and critically, organizing information and establishing connections between historical data, theoretical categories, and textual analysis.

None. Basic knowledge of the history of the Italian language or Italian linguistics, Italian literature, and general linguistics is recommended.

Course title: The Art of Discourse: between the Commedia and the Decameron
After an introduction to the theory of discourse in the field of rhetoric, the course examines selected speeches and orations in Dante’s Commedia and Boccaccio’s Decameron. The analysis follows the method of “samples” adopted by Eric Auerbach in his masterpiece Mimesis. The course includes active student participation.

a) Basic knowledge of the discipline is to be acquired through the full and independent study of one of the following textbooks:
Maria Pia Ellero, Retorica. Guida all’argomentazione e alle figure del discorso, Rome, Carocci, 2024 (recommended for students with primarily historical-literary interests).
Michele Prandi, Retorica. Una disciplina da rifondare, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2023 (recommended for students with primarily theoretical and linguistic interests).
Bice Mortara Garavelli, Manuale di retorica, Milan, Bompiani, 2018 (recommended for students with linguistic and literary interests).
Giovanni Bottiroli, Retorica. L’intelligenza figurale nell’arte e nella filosofia, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1993 (recommended for students with theoretical and philosophical interests).
b) Additional materials, texts, and bibliography for the monographic part of the course will be provided during classes and made available on the Moodle platform.

A thirty-minute oral examination will assess knowledge of the topics covered and of the reference texts, as well as the ability to apply the tools of rhetorical analysis.

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.

A. Marks in the range 18–22 will be awarded in the presence of:
acceptable but barely sufficient knowledge of the syllabus;
limited analytical ability and only minimally adequate or slightly more than adequate communication and argumentation skills.
B. Marks in the range 23–26 will be awarded in the presence of:
fair knowledge of the syllabus;
adequate analytical, communication, and argumentative skills (with some imprecision in the use of disciplinary terminology).
C. Marks in the range 27–30 (with honours) will be awarded in the presence of:
good, very good, or excellent knowledge of the syllabus;
good to excellent analytical, communication, and argumentative skills, with full command of technical language and the ability to offer original critical insights (honours).

The course consists of lectures and seminar-style activities, including guided textual analysis and group discussion.