CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE FOR PRIMARY AND CHILDHOOD SCHOOL WITH WORKSHOP 2Module WORKSHOP OF CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE FOR PRIMARY AND CHILDHOOD SCHOOL
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: ELIANA VITALEExpected Learning Outcomes
To be able to identify different types of text, and thus distinguish the main characteristics of fairy tales and short stories. To be able to read and analyse a literary text. To be able to apply these skills in accordance with the requirements of the current ‘National Guidelines for the Curriculum of Nursery Schools and the First Cycle of Education’.
Course Structure
Following an introductory session led by the teacher, the class, divided into groups of 5–6 students, reads and analyses a literary text, taking care to highlight its formal and thematic aspects as well as the narrative techniques employed by the author, and carries out exercises in creative and educational reworking. This is followed by a final session for sharing and discussion.
Required Prerequisites
Knowledge of the fundamentals and key aspects of the history of Italian literature from its origins to the 20th century. Adequate skills in reading and text analysis.
Attendance of Lessons
Compulsory attendance.
Detailed Course Content
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | An introduction to fairy tales. Propp’s functions. | Italo Calvino, "Il Drago dalle sette teste" (from "Fiabe italiane"); Luigi Capuana, "I tre anelli (from "C'era una volta...Fiabe"). |
| 2 | The literary fairy tale. | Guido Gozzano, "Il re porcaro" (from "La danza degli gnomi e altre fiabe"); Gianni Rodari, "Il paese con l'esse davanti" and "La guerra delle campane (from "Favole al telefono"). |
| 3 | Introduction to the short story. | Dino Buzzati, "I sette messaggeri" ("Sessanta racconti"); Stefano Benni, "Introduzione storica" and "Luisona" (from "Bar Sport"). |
| 4 | Forms and techniques of short-form storytelling. | Elsa Morante, "Il soldato siciliano" (from "Lo scialle andaluso"); Anna Maria Ortese, "L’ultima lezione del signor Sulitjema" (from "In sonno e in veglia"). |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The examination, which consists of a text analysis, is conducted in writing. Assessment is based on suitability and takes into account: a) Knowledge and comprehension; b) Application of knowledge and comprehension; c) Writing skills; d) Ability to learn.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Read and analyse the following fairy tale by Gozzano: what narrative techniques are employed?
- Read and analyse the following short story by Morante: what is the narrator’s point of view? What narrative techniques are used?