Academic year: 2025-26
Course: Foundation Course Humanities
Credits: 6
Period: first semester
Number of hours: 48
Teacher: Mattia Petricola (mattia.petricola@gmail.com)
Course description
This course offers an engaging journey through the rich landscape of Italian literature, from its origins to the late Baroque period. Students will explore both canonical masterpieces by influential authors (including the poets of the Sicilian School, Dante, Petrarca, Boccaccio, Ariosto, Tasso, and Marino) and lesser-known works that challenge and expand the traditional canon. Through careful close readings of texts in translation, the course examines how Italian literature has shaped and reflected cultural, social, and historical developments. Special attention will be given to contextualizing these works within their historical moment while exploring their enduring relevance to contemporary issues such as gender, class, race, colonialism, and environmental concerns. Class discussions will help students develop critical reading skills and engage deeply with both historical context and modern interpretations.
Main goals
By the end of this course, students will:
- Master close reading techniques and textual analysis
- Develop a solid foundation in pre-modern Italian literary history
- Understand the cultural and historical context of major Italian literary works
- Connect historical texts to contemporary critical discussions
- Strengthen analytical writing and critical thinking skills
Requirements
No prior knowledge of Italian language or literature is required. We’ll do our reading and analysis together in class, so there’s no homework to prepare before each session. Your exam will be based primarily on what we discover and discuss together in class, supplemented by some carefully chosen scholarly readings that will deepen your understanding of the texts. While attendance is required, active participation in our discussions will not only enhance your learning experience but also positively affect your final grade. All readings will be provided in English translation, making the course fully accessible to non-Italian speakers.
Exam and grading
The final grade will be determined by two components:
Attendance and Participation (30%). Regular attendance and active engagement in class discussions are essential parts of the learning experience.
Final Written Exam (70%). The exam will consist of two parts:
- A multiple-choice section testing your knowledge of key concepts and texts
- An essay section where you’ll demonstrate your analytical skills through longer written responses
The exam will focus on materials covered in class and selected scholarly readings provided during the course.