Module Provider: |
Italian |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn and Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
SW
Vinall |
Pre-requisites: |
IT1001 or IT1003 IT1005
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2007/8 |
Aims:
This module aims to explore some of the most significant and influential Italian cultural responses to the far-reaching changes, in society and ideas, which took place in the early twentieth century. All the works to be explored offer a challenge to traditional certainties, in idea and form. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is expected that students will be able to:
understand the relationship between the works studied and the contemporary political and intellectual background;
analyse the treatment of key themes and techniques used in the works studied, showing a sensitivity to the requirements of the different genres involved;
express clearly constructed, soundly based arguments about the works in question, making effective use both of published critical studies and of their own independent judgement. |
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage students to:
express points of view clearly and effectively in oral and group discussions;
develop their IT skills by conducting OPAC and other Web searches for materials relevant to the module and by submitting word-processed essays;
improve their team-working and problem-solving skills. |
Outline content:
After a general introduction on the political, social and intellectual background, attention will focus on four main areas:
1. Luigi Pirandello: Sei personaggi in cerca d'autore
Through a detailed study of his most influential play, this component will show how Pirandello challenged the realist theatre of his time, experimenting with new (and sometimes very old) techniques in order to revitalise drama and make it into an instrument capable of dealing with twentieth-century problems.
2. The Futurist Movement
A precursor of many later avant-garde movements, Futurism called for all the arts to reject tradition and to embrace the activism it associated with the twentieth century. This component will examine its ideology, some of its most important literary experiments, and the work of some of its most famous painters and sculptors.
3. Italo Svevo: La coscienza di Zeno
This component will focus on Svevo's most famous novel, which draws on the newly-circulating Freudian ideas and challenges the reader with the use of an untrustworthy narrator. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
A combination of lectures and seminars: preparatory reading will be required for the seminars and students will be asked to produce short seminar presentations in addition to their two assessed essays. There will also be opportunities for group work. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
20 |
10 |
revision as necessary |
| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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| Total hours |
20 |
10 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework:
Students will write one essay of 2,000 - 3,000 words per term. The average of the two marks will form the student's assessment mark, subject to scrutiny by a second internal examiner and by the external examiner where relevant.
Relative percentage of coursework : 50%
Examinations:
One two-hour examination, which will count for 50% of the assessment.
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements:
Students who fail the whole module will be re-examined in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be submitted by 1 September, and will be eligible for a mark of no higher than 40%. |
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