116-154 Italian Part 1:Textual Studies B

Formerly available as 116-055. Students who have completed 116-055 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

116-151 Italian Part 1:Language & Culture A and 116-152 Italian Part 1:Textual Studies A.

116-153 Italian Part 1:Language & Culture B.

This subject continues the study of significant literary texts in Italian begun in 116-152 Italian Part 1:Textual Studies A. Students will be given guidance in reading poetry and a novel in Italian and in 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 focus of the subject will consist of detailed readings of the novel and poetry 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 works 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.

Two essays of 1000 words apiece 45% each (one due in week 6 and the other at the end of semester), tutorial participation 10% (throughout semester).

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

• I Calvino, Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno. Einaudi.