In this course students will analyse the origins and the development of Italian language and literature from the Sicilian school to Renaissance . The course will include a selection of literary and visual texts, from Cielo d'Alcamo to Lorenzetti, Boccaccio and Leonardo. Through the study of these texts students will learn about the most important early literary movements and major themes such as a philosophical examination of love with the "stil novo", profane explorations of love in Boccaccio and visual narratives of "good government" (Lorenzetti's "Buongoverno").

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have:

1. the knowledge and skills to read critically a variety of texts (literary and visual)
2. reflect upon, and discuss the development of the Italian language and literature
3. have a thorough grasp of major literary and artistic texts and concepts from the middle Ages  to the Renaissance    
4. apply this competence to research, analyse and interpret texts independently
5. express themselves appropriately and accurately orally and in writing

One hour of lecture and one hour of tutorial per week over 13 weeks plus 7 hours of seminars
Lectures will be taped.

An anthology of texts to be studied will be supplied in electronic brick form. The brick will also include critical works and introductions to the periods, authors and literary movements studied.

• Asor Rosa, A. (ed.) 1997 La narrativa italiana dalle origini ai giorni nostri, Torino: Einaudi
• Asor Rosa, A. (1985) Storia della letteratura italiana, Firenze: La Nuova Italia
• Mariani, C. (1999) La letteratura italiana. Electronic resource Firenze: D'Anna, Thesis
• Pasquini, E. (ed) 1997 Guida allo studio della letteratura italiana, Bologna: Il Mulino