Linguistic and Literary Analysis of Italian Modern Texts [ LROM1753 ]

LFLTR 1750 (Basic Modern Italian I) and LROM 1751 (Basic Modern Italian II) or similar.

This course guides students both through their study of the Italian language and in tackling Italian synchronic linguistics. The theoretical study is put to use in the practical sessions in which students learn how to use the phenomena studied during the course. The elements of syntax studied cannot be understood in terms of normative grammar but are nonetheless important in speaking and writing Italian well.
In the second part of the course, students are required to apply the linguistic concepts they have learnt for discussion and essay writing. The lecturer will present different interpretation strategies.
In small groups supervised by interns, assistants or the lecturer, students discuss the short stories they have already read. At the end of the lesson, students present their results, a written version of which is handed in on a regular basis.

- To be able to read, understand and summarise articles on Italian linguistics;
- To be able to recognise and analyse basic linguistic phenomena which are not included at all in Italian normative grammar, or only to a limited extent;
- To be able to understand and apply these phenomena;
- To be able to interpret short stories using semiotic and postsemiotic strategies;
- To be able to discuss and make a presentation;
- To be able to write an essay.

Please note, the grammar section must be passed with an average mark of 10/20 in order to pass this course.

Additionally, in order to sit the exam in the June exam session the student must have written three literary analysis assignments.

Once these two conditions have been fulfilled, assessment of the LROM1753 course is calculated as follows:
-    an exemption test in December on grammar (verb forms), the subjects covered during exercise session  and the formal lectures (50%);
-    a test during the examination session in which the student must analyse a text they have not previously seen during the course (50%).
Should students fail to submit the three assignments, they will not be allowed to sit the exam. In such circumstances, students must submit the assignments and the oral exam in the August exam session.
Should a student fail in the grammar section, the final course mark provided will be the grammar mark alone.

Seminar classes in the first semester : exploration of issues in Italian linguistics

Collaborative-creative classes in the second semester : analysis of Italian literary texts

On the basis of a collection of short Italian texts from the 20^th century to the present day, students will study applied linguistics and literary analysis.

- First semester : development of students' linguistic skills and introduction to certain problems of syntax which distinguish Italian from French: concordance of tenses and word order.

- Second semester : introduction to the semiotic analysis of literary texts and composition of critical texts in Italian. Students are required to participate in discussions and complete various assignments.

Individual supervision. This course is accompanied by practical work.

A collection of short literary texts, a manual on literary analysis together with a collection of articles and a list of important links can all be found on iCampus.

Students will be required to undertake bibliographic research on JSTOR and in the library.

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