ITAL 301 - Senior Seminar

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Topic for 2026/27b: Italians and their Languages. In this seminar, we track consequential moments in the history of the Italian language and the debate surrounding the need and risks of a codified language in a country that was unified only recently and perhaps partially. Starting from medieval authors writing in several languages and dialects (Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Provençal, Sicilian, Tuscan, Umbrian, Venetian…) we consider the lengthy process that led to the rise of the Tuscan variety as the golden standard of Italian, from the Renaissance to national unification in the 19th century. We also explore the enduring resistance against linguistic homogeneity, exploring dialect literature in the original and in translation. Finally, we consider issues of language inclusivity in present-day Italy, looking at matters such as gender representation, language minorities, and the Italian of migrants, first-, and second generation. Readings include: Dante, Machiavelli, Castiglione, Bembo, Goldoni, Manzoni, Verga, Gramsci, Scego. Secondary sources include: De Mauro, Tomasin, Gheno, De Benedetti. Alberto Gelmi.

Prerequisite(s): ITAL 220 or ITAL 222 or the equivalent.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS