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.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: ITAS 202 or permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have taken ITAS 220.

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Not Offered; Spring

Notes: This course is also offered at the 200-level as ITAS 220. The course will meet with ITAS 220 for a portion of the weekly meetings which will be taught in English. ITAS 320 will have an additional weekly discussion session in Italian, and provide reading and writing assignments in Italian. Students who wish to take the course to fulfill the major or minor in Italian should register for ITAS 320.