BA Italian Studies

Running parallel with the Level 2 options in Italian, and building on the techniques of textual analysis  that were introduced at Level 1, this is a hands-on course which will enable students to improve their reading abilities in Italian, whilst deepening their appreciation and understanding of literary texts and of social issues in the Italian-speaking world.  Through a combination of small-group discussions, group tutorials and private study, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake close readings of texts (chosen from a prescribed list) and to write analyses of them that situate them in their social-political context. The discussions will focus on a range of tutor-led and student-led activities designed to develop an understanding of literature in Italian and also methods of analysing and discussing that literature.  

• To develop critical thinking, conceptual reasoning and analytical skills 

• To develop the ability to read and analyse literary texts 

• To develop the ability to place literary texts in social and political context 

• To develop a better understanding of the historical and social realities of the Italian-speaking world 

• To develop a better understanding of literary texts in Italian 

Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will be able to: 

• demonstrate an improved ability to read in Italian 

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Italian literary texts  

• write commentaries and essays in English discussing and analysing Italian literary texts  

• place literary texts in their historical context within the Italian-speaking world  

• make use of relevant methodology 

• engage critically with secondary literature  

Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will: 

• Display cultural analytical skills (literary analysis, social and political analysis) 

• Be able to value knowledge for its own sake, and to appreciate literary creativity within the Italian-speaking world 

Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will demonstrate: 

• A significantly improved ability to read Italian 

• A significantly improved vocabulary and syntax in Italian 

• An ability to manage time, and work to deadlines; 

• An improved ability to work with information and communication technology (ICT) 

Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will have learned to: 

• undertake independent learning and reflect upon their achievements; 

• participate constructively in group discussions; 

• think critically and present arguments logically 

Resit Assessment

Set Texts¿: 

Semester 1: A selection of short stories, poems and plays will be made available on Blackboard 

Semester 2: A list of selected novels and novellas with short summaries will be made available on Blackboard. All texts suggested are available in the University of Manchester library and in affordable pocket editions.  

Suggested further readings 

• Ciccarelli, Andrea, and Peter Bondanella, The Cambridge companion to the Italian novel (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003) 

• Chambers, Ellie, and Andrew Northledge, The Arts Good Study Guide (Milton Keynes: Oxford University Press, 1997) 

• Cuddon, J. A., The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory (any edition) 

• Eagleton, Terry, How To Read Literature (New Heaven, London: Yale University Press, 2013) 

• McKee, Alan, Textual Analysis: A Beginner’s Guide (London: SAGE, 2003) 

• Reardon, Denis, Doing Your Undergraduate Project (London: SAGE, 2004)