Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of an historical outline of the period and of the features of juvenile books.
Applying knowledge and understanding: being able to explain some texts of the given period, using simple pedagogical-literary tools.
Making judgements: being able to express opinions with due motivation: this is the main transversal goal of the course.
Communication skills: Ability to explain one's own work in reading and interpretating texts with a correct and appropriate language.
Learning skills: being able to reflect critically on one's own knowledge, in proportion with individual talents.
Course unit content
Course title:
Will is power. "Self-help" and English-American influence in juvenile and popular literature in 19th-century Italy
Bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY
For the final exam the student must prepare THREE books:
1) A. Ascenzi-R. Sani, Storia e antologia della letteratura per l’infanzia nell’Italia dell’Ottocento, vol. I, Milano, FrancoAngeli, 2017;
2) A book among these:
M. Lessona, Volere è potere, Firenze, Barbera, 4° ed. 1870;
S. Smiles, Chi s’aiuta Dio l’aiuta (versione di G. Strafforello), Milano, Biblioteca Utile, 3° ed. 1867;
C. Cantù, Il portafoglio di un operaio, Milano, Agnelli, 1872
G. Craik, Costanza vince ignoranza (versione di P. Rotondi), Firenze, Barbera, 1870
3) A book among these:
C. Dickens, Memorie di Davide Copperfield, Milano, Treves, 1869;
F. Cooper, Il Corsaro Rosso. Romanzo marittimo, Napoli, Nobile, 1860;
R. Stevenson, L’Isola del Tesoro, Milano, Treves, 1886;
W. Scott, Storia del tempo delle Crociate o Riccardo in Palestina, Milano, Rejna, 1841.
WHERE TO FIND BOOKS
1) The anthology is available on the market and in several bookshops in Parma. Students are allowed to share and reuse copies. Photocopies are prohibited;
2-3) ALL ancient books will be made available for download on the Elly platform.
The professor can be asked for explanations on the texts at any time during office hours or by e-mail.
Teaching methods
Lecture; public reading with comments; debate in the classroom; where possible, collective exercices on selected texts.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination.
The passing mark is achieved if the students shows both these accomplishments:
a) Has read thoroughly the compulsory texts and is able to locate them in time and space;
b) Has reflected upon the educational problems/questions posited in the texts and has tried to give a personal interpretation.
