Unit CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE

Course
Languages, comparative literatures and intercultural translation
Study-unit Code
GP005153
Curriculum
Lingue e letterature
Teacher
Stefano Giovannuzzi
Teachers
  • Stefano Giovannuzzi
Hours
  • 36 ore - Stefano Giovannuzzi
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2025
Offered
2026/27
Learning activities
Affine/integrativa
Area
Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector
L-FIL-LET/11
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
The course aims to investigate the Italian novel of the new millennium, examining both literary models and the consolidation of new models that are no longer tied to literature but rather to cinema and television.
Reference texts
Novels:
U. Eco, Il nome della rosa, 1980, film adaptation (1986) and tv series (2019).
S. Vassalli, La chimera, 1996.
G. De Cataldo, Romanzo criminale, 2002, film adaptation (2005) and tv series (2008-2010)
R. Saviano, Gomorra (2006) and tv series (2014-2021)
E. Ferrante, L’amica geniale (2011-2014) and tv series (2018-2014)
A. Scurati, M (2018-2025) and tv series (2025).
The indication of the texts is provisional.
Critical and bibliographical reference materials will be provided at the beginning and during the course. Where possible, they will be made available on Unistudium. Given the nature of the course, attendance is strongly recommended. Students who are unable to attend must arrange the readings with the instructor.

Educational objectives
The topics covered in the course are aimed at acquiring more in-depth knowledge and skills related to how the novel has changed at the end of the twentieth century and in the new millennium, in relation to other languages and media. The course aims to:
a) develop a general reflection on the contemporary novel and its historical and social context; b) foster a concrete ability to analyze and understand the profound anthropological and cognitive transformations that are reshaping the role and function of literature.The course seeks to provide tools that students will be able to use independently, applying them also to texts other than those examined in class.

Prerequisites
A general knowledge of the twentieth century (at least up to the 1960s) is an important requirement. An excellent command of the Italian language is also essential. Basic knowledge of contemporary history (post-World War II) is helpful.
Teaching methods
The course will consist of lectures, film screenings and times of seminar discussion on the texts, in which students are urged to collaborate, including scheduled talks. Useful materials for the course will also be made available on unistudium: it is recommended that you always check it.
Other information
Disabled students and / or with DSA are asked to contact the teacher in time for all the aids useful to follow the course and agree on the exam methods. For general information, consult the University Services on the page https://lettere.unipg.it/home/disabilita-e-dsa and contact the Referent for the Department ( prof.ssa Alessandra Di Pilla: alessandra.dipilla@unipg.it ).
Learning verification modality
The assessment consists of an oral exam, with open questions, which aims to verify the skills and ability to apply them independently gained at the end of the course, thanks to the course itself and the reading of the bibliography. The duration of the exam is approximately half an hour. The final evaluation is carried out on the basis of: a ) of the skills acquired; b ) of the ability to rework the course contents; c ) of the ability to reuse the skills acquired independently. Points b ) and c ) are essential for a positive evaluation. Students with disabilities and / or with DSA, who have accredited themselves through the SOL, they can consult the page https://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa and contact the Referent for the Department ( prof.ssa Alessandra Di Pilla: alessandra.dipilla@unipg.it ).
Extended program
The course will be structured in three successive stages:
a) an overview of the evolution of the novel starting from the 1980s; b) the increasingly close interaction between fiction, cinema, and television after the 2000s; c) theoretical reflection on the contemporary novel.

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
4 Quality education 8 Decent work and economic growth