Comparative Literature
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims at introducing students to the comparative study of European and non-European literatures, as well as to the theoretical and methodological issues implied by this approach.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: Students will achieve an in-depth knowledge of a selection of authors and works from several European and non-European literatures, and they will gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues related to the study of literature.
Competence: By approaching a plurality of historical and cultural horizons in different languages, students will improve their hermeneutical competencies and their ability to converse with other cultures.
At the end of the course, they will be able to autonomously apply the knowledge and the acquired competencies to the study of literary works from diverse times and literatures.
Competence: By approaching a plurality of historical and cultural horizons in different languages, students will improve their hermeneutical competencies and their ability to converse with other cultures.
At the end of the course, they will be able to autonomously apply the knowledge and the acquired competencies to the study of literary works from diverse times and literatures.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will address the theme of marginality and anomaly from multiple perspectives, through both theoretical discussions and textual analysis.
Parts A and B (40 hours; Prof. Carrara) will adopt a historical approach to works produced by marginalized subjects engaging with issues of gender and sexuality. Through the close reading of a novel (Orlando by Virginia Woolf), a short story collection (Héroïnes by Claude Cahun), a selection of anthologized excerpts from various cultural contexts and historical periods, and the screening of the film Orlando. My Political Biography, we will explore the expressive forms and aesthetics of subjects marginalized on the basis of gender and/or sexuality.
Part C (20 hours; Prof. Tognini) will offer a more focused investigation of ethics, through the analysis of 'immoral' figures in hyper-contemporary fiction who position themselves at the margins of the ethical system of the 21st century.
Parts A and B (40 hours; Prof. Carrara) will adopt a historical approach to works produced by marginalized subjects engaging with issues of gender and sexuality. Through the close reading of a novel (Orlando by Virginia Woolf), a short story collection (Héroïnes by Claude Cahun), a selection of anthologized excerpts from various cultural contexts and historical periods, and the screening of the film Orlando. My Political Biography, we will explore the expressive forms and aesthetics of subjects marginalized on the basis of gender and/or sexuality.
Part C (20 hours; Prof. Tognini) will offer a more focused investigation of ethics, through the analysis of 'immoral' figures in hyper-contemporary fiction who position themselves at the margins of the ethical system of the 21st century.
Prerequisites for admission
None.
Teaching methods
Lectures by the teachers and discussion sessions. Class attendance is strongly advised.
Teaching Resources
Part A and B (prof. Carrara)
1. V. Woolf, "Orlando" [1928] (in one of the following editions: Mondadori, edited by S. Sullam, 2023 or Cambridge University Press, Penguin, Norton Critical Edition or Oxford World's Classics)
2. C. Cahun, "Eroine" [1922], VandA edizioni, 2024.
3. Paul B. Preciado, "Orlando. Ma biographie politique" (2023) [Movie]
4. A compendium of excerpts from literary texts will be provided by the teacher and will be available on MyAriel.
5. A short compendium of critical texts will be provided by the teacher and will be available on MyAriel.
6. Maya de Leo, "Queer. Storia culturale della comunità LGBT+", Einaudi 2023 (or previous editions).
Part C (prof. Tognini)
G. Culicchia, "Il tempo di vivere con te", Mondadori, 2021;
E. Carrère, "L'Avversario", Adelphi, 2013 (or any other edition in French);
One book to be chosen from this list:
J. Cercas, "L'impostore, Guanda", 2015 (or any edition in Spanish);
A. Tarabbia, "Il demone a Beslan", Bollati Boringhieri, 2021.
Any additional critical essays will be indicated by the instructor and made available on MyAriel.
Students who are to acquire 6 ECTS will study parts A and B; students who are to acquire 9 ECTS will study parts A, B, and C of the syllabus.
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
In addition to the materials already listed, students are required to study a selection of critical essays on the texts included in the syllabus, which will be made available on MyAriel at the beginning of the course.
Students who plan to take the exam without attending classes and encounter difficulties in preparing for it are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructors during office hours.
1. V. Woolf, "Orlando" [1928] (in one of the following editions: Mondadori, edited by S. Sullam, 2023 or Cambridge University Press, Penguin, Norton Critical Edition or Oxford World's Classics)
2. C. Cahun, "Eroine" [1922], VandA edizioni, 2024.
3. Paul B. Preciado, "Orlando. Ma biographie politique" (2023) [Movie]
4. A compendium of excerpts from literary texts will be provided by the teacher and will be available on MyAriel.
5. A short compendium of critical texts will be provided by the teacher and will be available on MyAriel.
6. Maya de Leo, "Queer. Storia culturale della comunità LGBT+", Einaudi 2023 (or previous editions).
Part C (prof. Tognini)
G. Culicchia, "Il tempo di vivere con te", Mondadori, 2021;
E. Carrère, "L'Avversario", Adelphi, 2013 (or any other edition in French);
One book to be chosen from this list:
J. Cercas, "L'impostore, Guanda", 2015 (or any edition in Spanish);
A. Tarabbia, "Il demone a Beslan", Bollati Boringhieri, 2021.
Any additional critical essays will be indicated by the instructor and made available on MyAriel.
Students who are to acquire 6 ECTS will study parts A and B; students who are to acquire 9 ECTS will study parts A, B, and C of the syllabus.
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
In addition to the materials already listed, students are required to study a selection of critical essays on the texts included in the syllabus, which will be made available on MyAriel at the beginning of the course.
Students who plan to take the exam without attending classes and encounter difficulties in preparing for it are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructors during office hours.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam will be an oral exam. Students will be asked to discuss the works and the critical issues addressed by the course. The accuracy of historical and literary references will also contribute to the final score.
L-FIL-LET/14 - LITERARY CRITICISM AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Carrara Giuseppe
Professor(s)