English

The course interprets 15 American and British suspense short stories, analyzing the literary technique, theories, thematic construction, and especially psychological construction within, in order to nurture the literary appreciation of western literary works. The course also discusses the difference between literary techniques and thematic concerns between the short story and film.

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 American Literature. The topic for the Spring 2018 semester is: American Graphic Novels The course focuses on American (literary) storytelling. The course offers an overview of the cultural history of American comics, while focusing on the avant-gardes of the late 1970s and 1980s that led to the development of the American graphic novel. Special attention is placed on documents like LE MUSÉE PRIVÉ D'ART SPIEGELMAN (2012) and COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL (Ron Mann, 1988). The course focuses on storytelling and graphic devices and techniques. Special attention is placed on the relationship between the arts, and their historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts. Texts include: FUN HOME: A FAMILY TRAGICOMIC (2006) by Alison Bechdel, GHOST WORLD (1993-1997) by Daniel Clowes, A CONTRACT WITH GOD (1978) by Will Eisner, LOVE AND ROCKETS (1981-c2001) by Hernandez Bros., JULIUS KNIPL and REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER (1988-to date) by Ben Katchor, CITY OF GLASS (1994, with Paul Karasik) and ASTERIOS POLYP (2009) by David Mazzucchelli, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS (1986) by Frank Miller, AMERICAN SPLENDOR (1976-c2010) by Harvey Pekar, PALESTINE (1993-1995) by Joe Sacco, MAUS (1980-1991) and IN THE SHADOW OF NO TOWERS (2004) by Art Spiegelman, THIS MODERN WORLD (1988-to date) by Tom Tomorrow, THE ADVENTURES OF JIMMY CORRIGAN, THE SMARTEST KID ON EARTH (2000) by Chris Ware. Special attention is devoted to the permeability of graphic narrative into other art forms (theatre, modern dance, multimedia performances, radio, film, music). Specific autobiographical and metanarrative aspects are considered along with a number of films including: Ron Mann's COMIC BOOK CONFIDENTIAL (1988), Terry Zwigoff's CRUMB (1994), GHOST WORLD (2001) and ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL (2006), Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini's AMERICAN SPLENDOR (2003), and Mark Daniels' LA BD S'EN VA T-EN GUERRE (2009). The course is structured on the seminar model with part lecture and part discussion. The final exam is divided in two parts, one written and one oral.

The course selects controversial topics in education, economy, environment, science and technology, society, international politics, etc. and covers logical fallacies, effective English expression and communication skills, distinction of facts and opinions, analyzing and evaluating arguments, in order to improve English oral expression skills, speculative skills, academic research skills, and cross-cultural communication skills.

This course explores classic Nordic texts, such as A Doll's House, Ms. Julie, and Hans Christian Andersen tales.

The study offers a study of poetry in English from various cultures and periods designed to promote an understanding of how poetry works and competence in practical criticism.