Italian

The course examines the theoretical and methodological tools to understand and analyze human language in its complexity and in its various manifestations, i.e. languages. At first, human language is contextualized within the larger set of semiotic phenomena, and the main models of linguistic and non-linguistic communication will be compared. The course then defines the concept of natural language, within a broader perspective taking into account the world's languages and their variation in time and space, and focuses on the concept of linguistic diversity. The diversity of languages is the background during the middle part of the course, where various levels of linguistic analysis are explained and demonstrated using examples from Italian and other European and non-European languages. The course addresses phonetics, phonology, morphology, vocabulary, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. In light of the different levels of analysis addressed, the course proposes possible typologies and taxonomies with which to organize linguistic diversity, and concludes by discussing the concept of linguistic universals.

The course has 2 parts: A & B. Students must take both parts. Students who complete a term paper on a pre-approved topic are awarded 1 extra unit. Maximum units for the course are 8. Part A covers types of comics from the 13th century to the 16th century. Part A is dedicated to comic in literature. The first part focuses on Boccaccio with in-depth studies on the DECAMERON, and the second part is dedicated to the reading of Machiavelli. Part B discusses poetry and theater in the 18th and 19th centuries. Part B discusses Goldoni, Pascoli, and an in-depth study of Dante's INFERNO in the context of poetry.

This course is part of the LM degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrolment is by consent of the instructor. The course examines Greek and Roman theatre as a whole (places of performance, festivals and dramatic competitions, poets and preserved works; directors, chorus, players; relationship with public and institutions; the different dramatic genres and their history) and develops a critical attitude towards the main issues concerning the Greek and Roman theatre. Course contents include dramatic performances in the ancient world, with a special regard to Athenian tragedy and its importance for the modern theatre, and Euripides and Alcestis.

This course is part of the Laurea Magistrale program. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course is intended for students who have a strong background in sociological theory. The terms of reference for the theoretical part are based on Italy and in particular on Palermo, Sicily, and the Zen neighborhood. The course focuses on the concept of community both in socio-cultural and socio-spatial terms as well as the relationship between the concepts of community and social capital, with particular attention to the question of environment from an empirical point of view. Special attention is placed on the concepts of community and social capital at the general theory level, standard and non-standard research tools, advantages and disadvantages of empirical environment research that focuses on community and social capital concepts. The course is divided into three thematic modules. The first module introduces the concept of community, both as a reference to classical authors such as Tonnies, Weber, and Park, and as a socio-cultural and socio-spatial meaning. In the second module, using the above theoretical framework, the relation between community and social capital is considered in order to develop the connection between these two concepts and the neighborhood, in terms of urban sociology and in the light of recent acquisitions of neighborhood studies. A special section is also dedicated to the question of urban sustainability with particular reference to the relation between the concept of resilience and the neighborhood approach. The third module is dedicated to studies that explore the relation between poverty, neighborhood and social capital through the development of a mixed methods approach. This section also stresses the importance of the distinction between structure and culture in the study of urban poverty. Required reading includes: COMUNITÀ, CAPITALE SOCIALE, QUARTIERE by M. Castrignanò, LO ZEN DI PALERMO by F. Fava, CERCANDO RISPETTO by P. Bourgois, and I REIETTI DELLA CITTÀ by L. Wacquant. Assessment is based on a final oral exam that covers the assigned readings and the social research methodology and techniques discussed in the course.

The course focuses on the principal facts and crucial questions regarding Italian art from the fifteenth century to the end of the eighteenth century. In particular, the technical methods that define style and form, iconography, and technique and the connections to the historical, social and cultural timeframe in which the works of art were produced. Students are expected to become familiar with the key themes and particularities of the period along with the ambitions of the artists themselves. Students are also expected to be able to identify and comment on the works of the most representative artists and movements of the periods. It begins with the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci and concludes with the careers of Antonio Canova and Jacques-Louis David. It focuses on artists, movements, and essential topics, and at the same time provides students with the tools for understanding and analyzing the works of art, in relation to their historical and cultural context, their style, iconography, and technique. Students are expected to complete the knowledge and skills acquired during lectures with the assigned background readings.

This course completes the elementary level of Italian, affording the opportunity to expand conversation, writing, and reading skills while consolidating knowledge of more complex grammar structures. Students understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure time, etc. They deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They learn to produce simple connected texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly illustrate opinions and plans. Students expand their Italian vocabulary and improve their mode of expression in the language. They are aware of the significant differences that exist between uses, customs, behaviors, and values of the community in which they live. They also master essential rules of courtesy and etiquette of the hosting country. All four abilities (writing, speaking, listening, reading) are developed in the class, also with the support of authentic audiovisual materials such as Italian movies, short videos, TV programs, and songs. The course uses a communication-based approach: students engage in daily role-plays, group activities, games, and class discussions. Out of class activities are designed to take advantage of the opportunities for interaction and language practice, as well as immersion in Italian culture, that the city provides.

The course focuses on the key grammatical points in intermediate Italian. Students refine their ability to talk about family, studies, and free time and to produce simple texts regarding familiar subjects and personal interests. Students refine their use of the past tense to express events that have already taken place and to use the future tense to describe dreams, hopes and ambitions. Students also refine their use of grammatical structures necessary for expressing opinions. Admission is by entrance exam only. Course is taught by University of Bologna instructors and includes laboratory exercises. Course is graded on P/NP basis.