This course is dedicated to the representation and exploration of landscape in the Italian poetic tradition. By studying how the varied and beautiful Italian landscape found expression in the literary works of major poets, students will be exposed to a rich body of work and the tradition it both follows and renews. In particular, the course will focus on a series of specific themes, giving special attention to language and style. These will include: the opposition between rural and urban landscapes; the tension between dialects and the national language; the complex dynamics of tradition and innovation; issues of sustainability in the representation of Italian landscape. Through initial exposure to selected classical poets, including Dante and Petrarch, students will gain in-depth knowledge of the main formal structures of Italian poetry, from the classical sonnet, going on to free verse. In addition, we will read poems by the Italian greats of the twentieth century, i.e., Ungaretti, Saba and Montale, as well as works by contemporary poets, such as Bassani, Caproni, Sereni, Cavalli and Valduga, which deal with issues of preservation of the Italian natural landscape.

The course will be taught in English.

Students who wish to take the course to fulfill the major or minor in Italian should register for ITAS 320.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None. Not open to students who have taken ITAS 320.

Instructor: Parussa

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: This course is also offered at the 300-level as ITAS 320 with an extra weekly meeting in Italian.