Textual and comparative studies (2019/2020)

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of the class “Textual and com-parative studies” LM37 lead students to acquire a deep knowledge of the historical, cultural, and literary context in comparison and contrast related to the subject impart-ed; they aim to give useful information to comment, con-textualize text belonging to different literary genre, as well as to develop advanced analysis skills. They also aim at shaping students’ comparative skills, in terms of methodology, regarding mostly the interpretation of text, critical analysis, and the hermeneutic circle. The class is designed to focus on a systematic comparison rooted in its originally of both being monumentum and documen-tum. At the end of the course, the student must demon-strate that s/he has gained highly specialized knowledge, regarding the ability of understanding (knowledge and understanding); to have totally acquired a mastery of the research method associated with the specific field of investigation; finally, having the ability to integrate knowledge and manage complexity with a high degree of autonomy in broader (or interdisciplinary) contexts (communication skills).

The course addresses the philosophical theme of the relationship between identity and repetition as represented in literary texts. The course is divided into independent but interconnected modules, each dedicated to an individual figure of repetition: rhythm, memory, habit, repetition compulsion, and discipline. For each figure, the approach to the literary texts will address a different facet of the issue. The theme of memory in Samuel Beckett will be considered in the light of the influence of Marcel Proust and of XIX century French spiritualist philosophers; Samuel Butler’s heterodox Lamarckian theories will be explored as reflected in his novel The Way of All Flesh; turn-of-the-century hygienism will be used as a valuable tool to interpret Italo Svevo’s La Coscienza di Zeno; Peter Sloterdijk’s philosophical anthropology will shed light on Georges Perec’s works and poetics.


Teaching methods:
Lectures and seminars. ATTENTION: students who will not attend classes should contact the lecturer before the end of the course to discuss an individual program.

The aural examination will assess the knowledge of the topics discussed in class, the ability to analyse literary texts and to offer personal interpretations. Students will be given the opportunity to do presentations in class, which will contribute to the final mark by 20% and will allow for a reduction of the required readings.