Course teached as: B005374 - LETTERATURA TEDESCA 2 (12 CFU) 3-years First Cycle Degree (DM 270/04) in LANGUAGES, LITERATURES AND INTERCULTURAL STUDIES Curriculum STUDI LINGUISTICI, LETTERARI E INTERCULTURALI
Teaching Language
Italian
Course Content
The course will focus on the major authors, periods and genres in German literary culture in their historical contexts. Relevant analytical and interpretative strategies are introduced to enable students to develop a clear critical thinking and an understanding of a wide range of literary writing in Germany , from the beginning to the end of 18th century.
1) Die Juden. Ein Lustspiel in einem Aufzuge, verfertiget im Jahr 1749, Reclam, Stuttgart 2005. [Traduzione italiana: Gli ebrei. Testo tedesco a fronte, a cura di Alberto Jori, Bompiani, Milano 2002].
2) Miss Sara Sampson. Ein Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen, Reclam, Stuttgart 2001 [Traduzione italiana: Miss Sara Sampson. Tragedia in cinque atti, Edizioni Paoline, Roma 1963] [Abstracts from this work are available as copies].
3) Minna von Barnhelm. Ein Lustspiel in fünf Aufzügen, verfertiget im Jahre 1763, Reclam, Stuttgart 2003. [Traduzione italiana: Minna von Barnhelm, ovvero la fortuna del soldato. Commedia in cinque atti. A cura di Emilio Bonfatti, traduzione di Italo Alighiero Chiusano. Con testo a fronte, Marsilio, Venezia 1996].
4) Emilia Galotti. Ein Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen, Reclam, Stuttgart 2001. [Traduzione italiana: Emilia Galotti. Introduzione e traduzione di Nello Sàito, Einaudi, Torino 2001].
5) Nathan der Weise. Ein dramatisches Gedicht in fünf Aufzügen, Reclam, Stuttgart 2000. [Traduzione italiana: Nathan il Saggio. Introduzione di Emilio Bonfatti, traduzione e note di Andrea Casalegno. Con testo a fronte, Garzanti, Milano 2007].
A general bibliography concerning critical essays on the history of German literature and the treated works will be available at the beginning of the course
Learning Objectives
The course “Dialectic of Enlightenment in the dramatic works of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing” (72 hours) will focus on the study of 18th-century literature in Germany. Aims of the course:
a. to introduce students to different literary genres;
b. to familiarize students with the critical instruments required for the analysis of literary texts;
c. to enable students to develop a critical consciousness and an awareness of critical theory and culture theory through detailed analyses of some the most representative texts of literatures in Germany from the beginning to the end of 18th century.
1. Knowledge and understanding: Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding in historical and cultural contexts of the 18th century in Germany and will acquire the critical tools to cope with the formal and substantive components of the literary texts analyzed during the lessons.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will learn how to apply processes, models, questions, and theories that result in enhanced clarity in the comprehension of literary texts included in the program, which will be appreciated in both their formal and their contextual features.
3. Making judgements: Students will develop the ability to discuss the literary questions considered during the course, proposing critical perspectives and well-grounded judgements on the texts included in the program.
4. Communication skills: Students will develop the ability to can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions, with particular reference to themes and questions considered during the lessons.
5. Learning skills: Students will acquire the methodological tools needed to read, analyze and understand literary texts in their generic structures.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites are those outlined the course of study
Teaching Methods
Lectures and seminars
Further information
The course takes place in the first semester.
Further information will be given at the beginning of the course.
Type of Assessment
Oral exam. The exam will test students’ knowledge of:
1. The history of German literature and culture from the beginning to the end of the 18th century.
2. Specific issues and themes in 18th century German literature;
3. The key texts and critical literature included in the reading list.
Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and critically evaluate the key texts included in the reading list, and to place them within their historical and cultural contexts.
Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate adequate knowledge in all of the above points (1,2,3).
The exam aims to assess:
- The knowledge of key concepts in the history of German literature from the beginning to the end of the 18th century.
- The ability to describe and place literary phenomena within their contexts of production and reception;
- The ability of close reading and appreciation of all the texts included in the reading list as well as a thorough command of methodological and theoretical tools;
- The ability to use formal and critical terminology;
Students will demonstrate that they can discuss the subjects treated during the course, make appropriate connections between different authors and works, and express themselves clearly.
Grades are given on the basis of 30 points. Points are awarded if students are able to
1) describe form and contents of the texts studied,
2) understand, summarize and propose critical readings of those texts,
3) elaborate personal judgements that are solidly grounded on the text and/or secondary literature,
4) use appropriate terms.
Nos. 1 and 4 are essential in order to obtain the minimum passing grade (18/30); higher evaluations depend on to what extent’ students have developed their skills in all four points listed above.
Course program
“Dialectic of Enlightenment in the dramatic works of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing”
Through the reading and analysis of Lessing’s five dramatic works (Die Juden; Miss Sara Sampson; Minna von Barnhelm; Emila Galotti; Nathan der Weise), the course will aim to examine the development and the innovations of German dramatic literature in the 18th century. Some aspects of Lessing’s thought will be analyzed within the complex cultural horizon of the German Enlightenment, focussing on his critical and dialectical side, often in contradiction with the current opinion of the Enlightenment as a mainly progressive and utopian Movement.