Fall 2007

ITL 326L • INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN LITERATURE II: 18TH C TO PRESENT

Course Description

The course will begin with an introduction to the Italian Enlightnment, and in particular, the figure of the iterant intellectual, such as Carlo Goldoni and Lorenzo Da Ponte. We will then follow the intellectual as the participant in the construction of national identity during the cultural movement of Risorgimento. We will read from the works of Foscolo, Leopardi, Manzoni and listen to selections of Bellini's and Verdi's operas. After Italy's unification the discrepancy between north and south became more apparent. We will concentrate on the south by reading from the works of Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello and Carlo Levi. The impact of two world wars and Fascism on Italian culture and literature, in particular, that brings the intellectual to a crisis, will be discussed through the works of writers as different as Morante, Ginzburg, Ungaretti, Montale. We will conclude with a few short stories by Italo Calvino. Several films will be shown to reinforce some of the themes discussed.

Grading Policy

Two exams: 45% Quizzes and short essays: 40% Class participation and discussion: 15%

Texts

Course packet (Speedway, in Dobie Mall) L.Pirandello, Così è (se vi pare) Carlo Levi, Cristo s'è fermato a Eboli N. Ginzburg, La città e la casa C. Goldoni, La locandiera