Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - ITAL 400 D100

Topics in Italian Literature: Contemporary Prose, Poetry and Theatre (4)

Class Number: 5922

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ITAL 300 or permission from the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The complexity of modern Italy and its language are explored through the lens of contemporary literature.

COURSE DETAILS:

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine the complexity of modern Italy and its language through a variety of authors on the contemporary literature scene. The selection of short stories, poetries and plays written by major authors such as Ammaniti, Baricco, Maraini, Benni, Camilleri and Eco will provide the literary material for the exploration of a rage of topics including youth, family, politics, women’s voices, norther and souther identity, integration. Writing and conversing in Italian will be enhanced by the in-dept study and analysis of the individual texts and related themes.

Class discussions, group work, presentations, essay writing will enhance and amplify the use of the vocabulary and increase both the oral and written communicative skills of the student. The Course will be conducted in Italian and the material used, supported by corresponding audio-visual material, will also allow the students to be immersed in the Italian culture.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

COURSE GOALS:

  • To improve and expand students’ general knowledge about Italian culture, acquaint students with examples of Italian literature, as well as with the country’s contemporary society and recent history;
  • At the end of this course students will be able to understand spoken Italian easily, to converse about a great variety of topics and to communicate in written Italian at an advanced level.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 9%
  • Assignments (Homework) 15%
  • Writing Assignments (3 X 7%) 21%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final Exam (in-class) 20%
  • Final Oral Exam / Presentation 15%

NOTES:

STUDENT SUITABILITY FOR THIS COURSE

PLEASE NOTE: ITAL 400 is designed for students who have previously completed ITAL 300 or an equivalent fifth-semester course in Italian language at a different institution. Students who have had previous training in Italian or who are not sure about their language level and suitability for this course should consult with the instructor regarding placement at the appropriate level: vvintila@sfu.ca

NOTE: ITAL 400 may be applied towards the Italian Certificate or the Minor in Italian Studies.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Abbona-Sneider, Borra, Pausini “Trame: a contemporary Italian reader” Yale University Press

Additional material: selected handouts

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.