Module description
A chronological survey of Italian literature - the aim being that of helping students find their way through the literary "canon" (and pointing out which texts students are likely to enjoy most should they wish to read some Italian literature). Examples of texts will be provided in Italian and English. As preparation for the exam, students will be required to follow up the main points indicated in class with some reading on the authors and/or literary currents mentioned during the lectures. There is no prescribed text as such in this respect - several books are available in the library, both in Italian and in English, and are indicated below.

No previous knowledge of Italian literature or of the language is necessary, so students of other disciplines are welcome to take this course.

Students will be encouraged to read as many primary (literary) texts (in translation, if desired) as they are able and willing to do, but such reading is by no means compulsory for the exam. At least one text will probably need to be read for the continuous assessment essay (a choice of topics will be given). One other, recent, text (a short novel, a series of poems, or a play) will be the subject of a two-hour seminar to be held at the end of the course.

Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should

• have an insight into the Italian literary "canon"
• be capable of identifying the main literary periods with genres;
• be able to discuss a limited number of texts from different periods.