Module ITAL3171: Writing the Modern Self

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Italian)

ITAL3171: Writing the Modern Self

Prerequisites

• Italian Language 2B (ITAL2031) or Italian Language 2A (ITAL2111) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

• Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Italian Language 4 (ITAL3021) OR Italian Language 4 following Year Abroad (ITAL3091). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module aims to develop and enhance students’ understanding of the historical, philosophical, cultural, linguistic and psychoanalytical influences that shape the notion of 'selfhood' and ‘identity’ throughout the twentieth century.
• The module also seeks to enhance the students' analytical and methodological skills which will allow them to critically interpret literary texts and films.

Content

• The module explores the textual construction and deconstruction of a rapidly changing and increasingly skeptical notion of identity and selfhood through analysing key texts spanning the twentieth century
• Students will be introduced to forms and expressions of selfhood in terms of questions and theories of history, philosophy, gender and psychoanalysis
• Central to the module’s enquiry are also the various techniques writers employ to articulate their notion and understanding of selfhood
• While the main focus will be on texts originating in the Italian literary tradition, the works discussed will be contextualized within the broader European literary and cultural landscape.
• The fictions, plays to be explored range from modernist theatre (e.g. Pirandello’s Enrico IV, 1921) to postmodern feminist fiction (Elena Ferrante, L’amore molesto, 1992) and film.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students will:
• Have gained a broad knowledge of the historical, philosophical, cultural, linguistic and psychoanalytical influences that shape the notion of 'selfhood' throughout the twentieth century
• Have gained a specific knowledge of twentieth-century fiction, theatre and poetry in the Italian and broader European literary and cultural context, ranging from the modernist to the postmodern period.

• By the end of this module, students will:
• Have enhanced their research, writing and communication skills.
• Have employed Italian language skills to a high level in the reading of primary and secondary sources
• Have engaged critically with primary and secondary sources.
• Have been introduced to methodological approaches to literaure, both narrative and theatre

• By the end of this module, students will:
• Have enhanced their communication skills by actively engaging in delivering a class presentation
• Have developed analytical skills in the critical reading of literary texts
• Have developed a critical and reflexive approach to their own learning.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module will be taught by means of weekly lectures and fortnightly seminars.
• Lecture (1 h): module material will be presented, contextualised and examined critically, focusing on the historical and cultural developments of the major themes embodied in the different texts. Lectures are accompanied by hand-outs, PowerPoint presentations, and preparatory material included on DUO.
• Seminar (1 h): emphasis is on student participation and group discussion. Seminars will involve a range of teaching and learning practices including close textual reading/analysis, individual and/or group presentations, but will mostly devoted to class discussion.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University