This survey course in Italian literature and culture focuses on the 19th and 20th 
centuries. The readings are broad and varied and are intended to refine students' 
understanding of the grammar and expand their vocabulary even as they learn about 
the history of Italian literature. The focus here is reading comprehension, along 
with the introduction of literary terminology, rules of prosody, elementary 
stylistics, as well as literary criticism and analysis.  Like practically every 
course in our department, this course examines a Romance language, literature, and 
culture in an integrated manner.  The fact that it does so in the target language 
(Italian) means that communication and writing skills are developed and given the 
same importance as analytical skills.

Works by Vico, Beccaria, Parini, Alfieri, Foscolo, Leopardi, Manzoni, Carducci,
Verga, D'Annunzio, Pascoli; selected poetry and prose of the 20th Century, including
Italian women writers. Students write three written essays to topics provided by the
professor.  Students submit two drafts for each essay; only the rewrite is graded. 
Students also write several shorter homework assignments. Participation in all
classroom discussions is required, and constitutes a significant part of the
student's final grade. There are two written exams during the semester and a final
exam at the end of the semester.  All of the above work is done in the target
language (Italian).