116-463 From Reason to Romanticism

Formerly available as 116-075/363. Students who have completed 116-075 or 116-363 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Completion of 37.5 points at either post-beginners or post-VCE sequence for third year, admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in Italian for fourth year. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year, see Prerequisites.

This subject looks at critical moments in the historical and cultural development of Italy from the early 18th century until Italy's unification in the late 19th century. Themes examined include the history of ideas as well as the defining cultural movements in Italy of this period. We begin with Illuminismo (Enlightenment) and its emphasis on reason, and the gradual shift to Romanticism, which became a powerful force in Italian cultural expression and historical development. We consider specifically the works of some of the greatest figures of this time: Ugo Foscolo, Giacomo Leopardi, Giovanni Pascoli, Gabriele D'Annunzio among others.

• acquire particular generic skills:

• 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 French and Italian culture, and by formulating arguments;

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

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

A 1.5 hour written test 30 (due mid semester), oral presentation class paper 25 (beginning at the start of semester and due at the end of semester), a final essay of 2500 words for 3rd year and 3000 words for 4th year 45 (due at the end of semester).

• IU Tachette, Fasca. Loescher.