This course offers a concise yet complete survey of the most transformative poetic forms in Italian and Western literature, the sonnet. We will trace its evolution chronologically and thematically, using an anthology of approximately 70 sonnets to understand how this fourteen-line structure became a powerful medium of poetic exchange across historical, geographical, social, and linguistic boundaries. Analyzing which sonnets were taught in schools at various times will shed light on shifting cultural values and national identity. Engaging with Italian metrics, translation studies, and gender perspectives, students will complete short critical and creative assignments—both individually and in groups—to perfect their oral and written skills in Italian. We will explore topics such as feminist rewritings, the performative use of poetry, and postmodern experimentation—to fully appreciate the enduring vitality of this form. More practically, students will learn how to precisely analyze the prosodic elements of Italian, including syllable counts, accentual patterns, and rhythmic structures, thereby acquiring advanced skills in literary analysis, poetic composition, and linguistic proficiency. Weekly assignments include short commentaries, and memorization and recitation of selected texts.This course offers a concise yet complete survey of the most transformative poetic forms in Italian and Western literature, the sonnet. We will trace its evolution chronologically and thematically, using an anthology of approximately 70 sonnets to understand how this fourteen-line structure became a powerful medium of poetic exchange across historical, geographical, social, and linguistic boundaries. Analyzing which sonnets were taught in schools at various times will shed light on shifting cultural values and national identity. Engaging with Italian metrics, translation studies, and gender perspectives, students will complete short critical and creative assignments—both individually and in groups—to perfect their oral and written skills in Italian. We will explore topics such as feminist rewritings, the performative use of poetry, and postmodern experimentation—to fully appreciate the enduring vitality of this form. More practically, students will learn how to precisely analyze the prosodic elements of Italian, including syllable counts, accentual patterns, and rhythmic structures, thereby acquiring advanced skills in literary analysis, poetic composition, and linguistic proficiency. Weekly assignments include short commentaries, and memorization and recitation of selected texts.
