OVERVIEW

Why does the text of the same poem by Dante differ according to the manuscript on which it is written? How do we know which one is correct? What is the difference between copying the Decameron by hand and printing it in a book? How did Ariosto and Manzoni work? This course seeks to give students the basic tools to address these questions.

Students are advised to have taken the History of the Italian language and Italian literature I exams before attending this course. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students must acquire a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental elements of textual criticism with particular reference to the so-called neo- (or post-) Lachmannism. As a consequence of this learning, students must be able to use any critical edition of a literary text without difficulty and tackle it with the necessary interpretative competencies. It will also be necessary for students to possess the fundamental notions of textual bibliography (philology of printed texts). Students must acquire specific knowledge in the field of history of Italian literary tradition both in relation to the main handwritten texts and printed texts that quote them and their organisation in textual traditions, and in relation to the transmission of the texts of main authors. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students must acquire a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental elements of textual criticism with particular reference to the so-called neo- (or post-) Lachmannism: this involves coming into direct contact with the various stages of critical text formation. As a consequence of this learning, students must be able to use any critical edition of a literary text without difficulty and tackle it with the necessary interpretative competencies. Moreover, they must be able to distinguish between text and apparatus and be able to evaluate the editors’ choices and discuss or reject them. It will also be necessary for students to possess the fundamental notions of textual bibliography (philology of printed texts), as well as a basic preparation vis-à-vis mechanisms of typographical work from the 15th to the 18th century. Students must acquire specific knowledge in the field of history of Italian literary tradition both in relation to the main handwritten texts and printed texts that quote them and their organisation in textual traditions, and in relation to the transmission of the texts of main authors in the relevant period of the philology of Italian literature, including essential issues relating to the so-called author philology. Finally, students will be equipped with knowledge of at least the main lines along which the textual tradition of Dante Alighieri’s works were articulated.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures

All students must register on AulaWeb

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu

a) What is the philology of Italian literature?

Essential elements of the methodology of textual reconstruction with particular reference to so-called post-Lachmannism and attention to the philology of Italian literature. Some lectures will deal with the specific issues of the philology of printed texts and author philology.

b) Contours of history of Italian literary tradition

A profile of the history of textual tradition in Italian literature from the origins to the 20th century.

Programme for students taking the course for 9 cfu

a) What is the philology of Italian literature?

Essential elements of the methodology of textual reconstruction with particular reference to so-called post-Lachmannism and attention to the philology of Italian literature. Some lectures will deal with the specific issues of the philology of printed texts and author philology.

b) Contours of history of Italian literary tradition

A profile of the history of textual tradition in Italian literature from the origins to the 20th century.

c) Elements of Dante’s philology

Issues relating to the tradition of Dante’s Latin and vulgar texts

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO BERISSO (President)

LUCA BELTRAMI

SIMONA MORANDO

LESSONS

Class schedule

ITALIAN PHILOLOGY

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

An oral test on the disciplinary material relative to ecdoctic methodology, history of Italian literary tradition and the peculiarities of Dante’s philology indicated during lectures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKHRU9HmqEM

Exam schedule