IJ2A227 Modern and Contemporary Italian Literature (XVIII and XIX centuries)

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Irene Cecchini, PhD (lecturer)
doc. Paolo Divizia, Dottore di Ricerca (alternate examiner)
Guaranteed by
doc. Paolo Divizia, Dottore di Ricerca
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures – Faculty of Arts
Supplier department: Department of Romance Languages and Literatures – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Tue 12:00–13:40 L42, except Mon 17. 11. to Sun 23. 11.
Prerequisites (in Czech)
( IJIA028 Bachelor's State Exam || IJ1A055 Bachelor's State Exam || IJ1A055com Bachelor's State Exam || IJ1A055mai Bachelor's State Exam || IJ1A055min Bachelor's State Exam ) && !NOWANY( IJ2B009 Modern & Contemp. It. Let. (A) )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course explores the main developments of Italian Romantic literature through the works of three key authors: Ugo Foscolo, Giacomo Leopardi, and Alessandro Manzoni. By analyzing both poetic and narrative texts, students will examine central themes of the Romantic period—such as the relationship between the individual and history, the tension between reason and emotion, and reflections on the human condition—highlighting both the differences and the connections among the authors' worldviews.
Learning outcomes
Special attention will be given to the historical and cultural context of 19th-century Italy, to European influences, and to the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism. The course combines critical reading sessions with seminars and close textual analysis, encouraging students to develop a thoughtful and personal engagement with the texts.
Syllabus
A central part of the course will focus on the close reading of three major works: Foscolo’s Le ultime lettere di Jacopo Ortis; Leopardi’s Canti, ; and Manzoni’s I Promessi Sposi. Special attention will also be given to the historical and cultural context of 19th-century Italy, European influences, and the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism. The course combines critical reading sessions with seminars and close textual analysis, encouraging students to develop a thoughtful and personal engagement with the texts.
Literature
    required literature
  • CALVINO, Italo. Le città invisibili. Milano: Oscar Mondadori, 2002, xlvii, 164. ISBN 8804425547. info
  • CALVINO, Italo. Le cosmicomiche. Milano: Oscar Mondadori, 2002, xlv, 160. ISBN 8804488107. info
  • CALVINO, Italo. Palomar. Milano: Oscar Mondadori, 2002, xlv, 130. ISBN 8804379901. info
  • CALVINO, Italo. Una pietra sopra : discorsi di letteratura e sociotà. Milano: Arnoldo Mondadori, 1995, 390 s. ISBN 8804399911. info
  • CALVINO, Italo. Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno. 1. ed. Milano: Oscar Mondadori, 1993, lxi, 159. ISBN 8804375914. info
    recommended literature
  • Marco Berenghi, Calvino. Profili di storia letteraria, Il Mulino, Bologna 2009
  • Francesca Serra, Calvino, Salerno, Roma 2006
Teaching methods
The course will be conducted in Italian and texts will be read in Italian. Students will receive weekly assignments and will be expected to actively participate in the class discussion. Texts will be previously read at home, and then discussed in the class.
Assessment methods
Oral and written exam on all the topics studied in the course and written exam on a topic previously decided with the instructor. Both essays: written and oral must be sufficient to successfully pass the course. Active participation in the class discussion. Non-justified absences may be 20% of the total hours (2 lessons).
Language of instruction
Italian
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2025/IJ2A227