Corso di laurea magistrale in
Culture moderne comparate

Knowledge of the main lines of Italian literary history and the tools of literary text analysis.

The course contributes to an in-depth understanding of the history and criticism of literary expression from a comparative perspective, in line with the specific learning objectives of the Master's degree program in Modern Comparative Cultures. In particular, it aims to explore the changing dynamics of the interaction between Italian literature and other European literatures through the analysis of a paradigmatic case of the reformulation of ancient genres (satire and comedy) by one of the major authors of the European Renaissance, Ludovico Ariosto.

All this in accordance with the goals declared in the SUA-CdS document.

At the end of the course, students will be expected to:

1. Knowledge and understanding. Identify the main features of satire and comedy, as well as the theoretical debate surrounding these two genres; assess the importance of writing satires and comedies within Ariosto’s overall literary career and in the broader context of sixteenth-century European literary culture;

2. Applying knowledge and understanding. Apply theoretical insights regarding general issues and methods of literary studies to the interpretation and commentary of the texts covered in the syllabus, as well as similar texts;

3. Making judgments. Develop independent critical perspectives on the theoretical and historical-literary issues addressed in the course, as well as on the texts studied;

4. Communication skills. Present this knowledge using language appropriate to the subject matter, both in written and oral form;

5. Learning skills. Develop the ability to study autonomously, with the capacity to synthesize, reformulate, and individually integrate the teaching content provided during the course.

(Re)invention of Genres: Ariosto's Satire and Comedy

This course is dedicated to Ludovico Ariosto’s Satires and Comedies as examples of the reinvention of ancient genres in modern European literature.

In particular, the following topics will be addressed:

the history and theory of the satire and comedy genres in modern European culture;

theatrical and poetic precedents of Ariosto’s works;

commentary and discussion of the texts included in the syllabus.

Teaching takes place in the classroom, with both lectures and seminars involving the active participation of students.

Learning will be tested in part during teaching, through active participation in discussions; then more specifically through the writing of a paper, of about ten pages, on an appropriate topic to be agreed with the lecturer, which must be handed in within a week before the examination. Finally, by means of an oral examination, with a grade expressed in thirtieths, in which the paper will be discussed and the ability to expound with clarity and propriety on general topics and to interpret and comment on individual texts will be assessed.

Students with Specific Learning Difficulties are encouraged to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course to arrange individual learning paths suited to their needs, and that could go beyond the compensatory and dispensatory measures guaranteed for the exam.
In general, Students with SLD or disabilities are asked to take note of the university modalities

• of support (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-con-disabilitaopen_in_newopen_in_new),

• of welcoming (https://www.unito.it/accoglienza-studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsaopen_in_newopen_in_new),

• and of the procedures to request support for the exams: https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disabilita/supporto-studenti-e-studentesse-con 

Examination programme:

1) Ludovico Ariosto, Satire

2) Ludovico Ariosto, La Lena

3) Davide Dalmas, «Farò come i famigli». La rivolta impossibile della ‘Lena’, in Ariosto commediografo, a cura di Franco Arato, Paola Cosentino, Patrizia Pellizzari, Manziana, Vecchiarelli, 2025, pp. 129-148.