116-152 Italian Part 1:Textual Studies A

Formerly available as 116-053. Students who have completed 116-053 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

VCE Italian or equivalent.

116-151 Italian Part 1:Language & Culture A.

This subject introduces students to the study of literary texts in Italian, mainly, short stories. Students will be provided with strategies for reading these texts and with ways of generally increasing comprehension of written Italian. The subject will also provide a basic introduction to a number of methodologies for analysing literary texts. The central part of the subject will consist of detailed readings of the texts concerned in order to elucidate their major themes and their relationship with the historical and social context of modern Italy. By the end of the subject, students should have improved their reading skills; developed critical methodologies for interpreting literary texts; and gained some understanding of the context of the stories studied.

• gain an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness/openness to the world through the contextualisation of judgements and knowledge, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and new aspects of Italian culture, and by formulating arguments;

• be capable of communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations;

• gain skills in public speaking and confidence in self-expression through tutorial participation and class presentations.

An essay of 1000 words 45% (due mid-semester), an essay of 1000 words 45% (due at the end semester) and tutorial participation throughout semester 10%.

A subject reader will be available from the Melbourne University Bookshop.