Introduction to Italian Literature (Middle Ages - 18th Century): Spring 2008

ITL 326K (37420): TTH 12:30-1:45 in HRH 2.112

In this course we will read and discuss selected works from the Middle Ages and early modern period. All reading, writing and discussion will be in Italian. Since love is a central, unifying theme of many course texts, we shall consider several of its nuances and representations: spiritual love; adult sexual and emotional intimacy; family relationships; friendships; group solidarity; and love of one's homeland. In addition to selections from Dante's Inferno and Boccaccio's Decameron, we will read and discuss works by Francesco d'Assisi, Angela da Foligno, Caterina da Siena, Giacomo da Lentini, Guido Guinizzelli, Guido Cavalcanti, Cecco Angiolieri, Compiuta Donzella, Francesco Petrarca, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Vittoria Colonna, Niccolò Machiavelli, Gaspara Stampa, Galileo and Virginia Galilei. We will strategically use materials from contemporary Italian culture--including popular music (Ferro, Nek, Giorgia, Alexia, Jovanotti) and Pasolini's film adaptation of the Decameron--to put these works of early Italian literature into dialogue with more recent representations and issues.

Grading Policy:
Esami (2): 50%
Temi (2): 25%
Preparazione e partecipazione: 25%

Regular attendance is required: No student who misses more than 6 classes (3 weeks) for any reason can complete the course with a passing grade.

Required Texts:
Dante Alighieri, Inferno (Rizzoli edition, 2001)
Giovanni Boccaccio, Dieci novelle dal Decameron (Guerra Edizioni Guru, 1997)
Course packet (I.T. Copy, 512 W. MLK Blvd; phone: 476-6662)

Diario letterario: You are required, as part of your daily class preparation, to keep a journal (in word-processed form) containing brief responses to the readings. At least four times during the semester, you will send me an e-mail message the day before class (by 9 p.m. at the latest) with your response. These responses, which you will present as part of class discussion, may contain both analyses and personal reactions, but you must always be prepared to identify at least one specific passage and say why you find it significant.

There is no final examination

"The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY."

ITL 326K: Programma delle lezioni

Amore spirituale / religioso

1/15: Introduzione

1/17: Francesco d'Assisi (1-3)

1/22: Dante, Inferno 1 (Virgilio)

1/24: Dante, Inferno 2 (Beatrice)

1/29: Angela da Foligno, Caterina da Siena (8-15, 29-30); Canzone: "Le cose che non dici" (Tiziano Ferro)

1/31: Boccaccio, Decameron 6.10 (Frate Cipolla)

Amore romantico / sessuale

2/5: Background Reading Day (no class): Giacomo da Lentini, Guido Guinizzelli, Guido Cavalcanti (36-39); Visit the Blanton Museum

2/7: Cecco Angiolieri, Guinizzelli ("Al cor gentil"), Dante (da La vita nuova) (39-48); Canzone: "Sei grande" (Nek)

2/12: Inferno 5 (Francesca e Paolo)

2/14: Inf. 5, Compiuta Donzella (4-7, 29)

2/19: Decam. 4.5 (Lisabetta da Messina); Canzone: "Gocce di memoria" (Giorgia)

2/21: Pasolini, Il Decameron (Lisabetta da Messina, Ser Ciappelletto); Francesco Petrarca (49-53)

2/26: Petrarca, Gaspara Stampa (54-55, 21-28, 34); Canzoni: "Egoista" (Alexia) e "Laura non c'è" (Nek)

2/28: Decam. 4.9 (La moglie di messer Guglielmo Rossiglione)

3/4: Tema 1; Ripasso

3/6: Esame 1

SPRING BREAK

Cortesia e amicizia

3/18: Decam. 5.9 (Federigo degli Alberighi)

3/20: Inf. 15 (Brunetto Latini)

3/25: Michelangelo (with slideshow of artwork), Vittoria Colonna (129-38, 16-20, 32)

Amore di patria

3/27: Inf. 10 (Farinata e Cavalcante)

4/1: Inf. 13 (Pier delle Vigne)

4/3: Petrarca ("All'Italia"), Machiavelli (56-62, 70-74)

Intelligenza e avventura

4/8: Decam. 6.7 (Filippa da Prato)

4/10: Inferno 26 (Ulisse)

4/15: Machiavelli, Galileo (67-69, 75-79); Canzone: "Penso positivo" (Jovanotti)

Amore familiare

4/17: Virginia Galilei (86-115)

4/22: Inferno 32.124-39; Inf. 33 (Ugolino)

4/24: Tema 2

4/29: Ripasso

5/1: Esame 2

THERE IS NO FINAL EXAMINATION