Identify continuities with previous knowledge

Acquire specific vocabulary

Acquire critical analysis tools

Recognize the literary text as a negotiating arena between past and present

Understanding American literary and cultural identity

Being able to distinguish between different genres and authors

Find intersections and interfaces between disciplines (history, geography, cinema, music, etc.)

Being able to apply the study and research methodology to other areas of literary study

We shall focus on the psychological features of a number of literary characters, on their mental condition (depression, folly, trauma, etc.), and on writing and reading as a cure.

The part concerning the history of literature is different for each year.

none for the first year

to access the second year, students must have passed the examination of the first year (idem for third year)

Knowledge and understanding

The student will come to possess knowledge and ability to understand contents and problems characteristic of the discipline (issues concerning American literature) and its specific subject of the course, also identifying possible continuities with previous knowledge and learning how to find intersections and interfaces with other disciplines (history, geography, cinema, political science). In particular, they'll get a basic knowledge of Anglo-American literature (origins-1900, I year and 1900-today, II year)  and apply this knowledge and understanding to text analysis. Also, the knowledge and understanding of the historical-cultural context of the examined literary works will be relevant in providing critical tools for text analysis.

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to apply his / her knowledge and understanding in order to demonstrate a professional approach to work and / or adequacy to continue studies in the Laurea Magistrale; both the aptitude to support arguments and to solve problems go in this direction, also with reference, for those who want to continue their studies, to new and interdisciplinary situations;

Making judgements

The student will have acquired information and / or data in the field of studies in question, useful for reflection, hypothesis formulation and determination of independent judgments; he/she will also be able to apply the study and research methodology to other aspects of US culture that are not specifically treated.

Communication skills

The student will be able to clearly communicate knowledge, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors. This also includes the acquisition of specific vocabulary. Also, they will learn how to express opinions through analysis and evaluation of a text, giving personal opinions on genres and forms belonging to different ethnic groups and/or historical periods.

Learning skills

The student should have already learned to study and learn independently. If not, this will be a good opportunity. Also, they will kow how to write a bibliography and use research methods in order to continue studying in the master's degree (Anglo-American Literature)

Students are encouraged to use up-to-date and flexible methodologies during class discussions and through on-going tests and the final test will be able to correctly ascertain the skills acquired.

The autonomy of the students in the choices, critical learning and organization of the study is also encouraged, ensuring adequate guidance and support for this purpose.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

books, articles, slides, films, classroom debate

Teaching

lectures, group work, individual study

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly encouraged

Students are required

- to study / read all the material that will be progressively inserted on the moodle platform

- to bring texts into the classroom either on paper or in electronic support

In case of communication with the teacher it is mandatory to use the uniurb institutional account

Course books

Year 1:

Un sussurro nel buio (Louisa May Alcott, Galaad 2020). Alternatively, foreign students can read the original version, here: http://public-library.uk/ebooks/105/83.pdf

USA Literature in brief (chapters 1-4) http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/ahabeeb/files/2018/01/american-literature-in-brief-1.pdf

Further material will be uploaded.

Year 2:

Quel che resta del Vietnam. Trauma e letteratura femminile (Sara Giommi, Ventura Edizioni 2022). Alternatively, foreign students can choose this: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9823764/

USA Literature in brief (chapters 5-6) http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/ahabeeb/files/2018/01/american-literature-in-brief-1.pdf

Further material will be uploaded.

Year 3:

Always on the Verge of Being Found Out: Transitional phenomena and the ri-emergence of the self in David Foster Wallace’s Fiction (Giulia Affede, Aras 2022)

USA Literature in brief (chapter 7) http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/ahabeeb/files/2018/01/american-literature-in-brief-1.pdf

Further material will be uploaded.

Assessment

1)    A short paper concerning the specific book of the different years, which must be agreed upon and sent to the professor at least one week before the exam. (MAX: 5)

2)    Final written test. This is a structured multiple-choice test, with 25 questions on the program, in Italian. The questions are distributed in such a way as to include in the evaluation: notions, concepts, adequate vocabulary, argumentative ability. Foreign students can choose oral examination in English. (MAX:25)

Disabilità e DSA

Le studentesse e gli studenti che hanno registrato la certificazione di disabilità o la certificazione di DSA presso l'Ufficio Inclusione e diritto allo studio, possono chiedere di utilizzare le mappe concettuali (per parole chiave) durante la prova di esame.

A tal fine, è necessario inviare le mappe, due settimane prima dell’appello di esame, alla o al docente del corso, che ne verificherà la coerenza con le indicazioni delle linee guida di ateneo e potrà chiederne la modifica.

Teaching

individual study

Attendance

Students are required to study / read all the material that will be progressively inserted on the moodle platform

Course books

Year 1:

Un sussurro nel buio (Louisa May Alcott, Galaad 2020). Alternatively, foreign students can read the original version, here: http://public-library.uk/ebooks/105/83.pdf

USA Literature in brief (chapters 1-4) http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/ahabeeb/files/2018/01/american-literature-in-brief-1.pdf

Further material will be uploaded.

Year 2:

Quel che resta del Vietnam. Trauma e letteratura femminile (Sara Giommi, Ventura Edizioni 2022). Alternatively, foreign students can choose this: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9823764/

USA Literature in brief (chapters 5-6) http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/ahabeeb/files/2018/01/american-literature-in-brief-1.pdf

Further material will be uploaded.

Year 3:

Always on the Verge of Being Found Out: Transitional phenomena and the ri-emergence of the self in David Foster Wallace’s Fiction (Giulia Affede, Aras 2022)

USA Literature in brief (chapter 7) http://site.iugaza.edu.ps/ahabeeb/files/2018/01/american-literature-in-brief-1.pdf

Further material will be uploaded.

Assessment

1)    A short paper concerning the specific book of the different years, which must be agreed upon and sent to the professor at least one week before the exam.

2)    Final written test. This is a structured multiple-choice test, with 31 questions on the program (sufficiency = 18 correct questions, 31 = 30 and praise), in Italian. The questions are distributed in such a way as to include in the evaluation: notions, concepts, adequate vocabulary, argumentative ability. Foreign students can choose oral examination in English.

Disabilità e DSA

Le studentesse e gli studenti che hanno registrato la certificazione di disabilità o la certificazione di DSA presso l'Ufficio Inclusione e diritto allo studio, possono chiedere di utilizzare le mappe concettuali (per parole chiave) durante la prova di esame.

A tal fine, è necessario inviare le mappe, due settimane prima dell’appello di esame, alla o al docente del corso, che ne verificherà la coerenza con le indicazioni delle linee guida di ateneo e potrà chiederne la modifica.

Students are required to study / read all the material that will be progressively inserted on the moodle platform

Students are required to use their campus email address in order to communicate with prof. Calanchi