CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE FOR PRIMARY AND CHILDHOOD SCHOOL WITH WORKSHOP 3Module WORKSHOP OF CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN LITERATURE FOR PRIMARY AND CHILDHOOD SCHOOL
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: CHRISTIAN D'AGATAExpected 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
After an introductory phase led by the teacher, the class, divided into groups of 5–6 students, reads and analyzes a literary text, focusing on its formal and thematic aspects, the narrative techniques employed by the author, and finally proposing creative and didactic rewriting exercises. A concluding session of presentation and discussion follows.
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
Textbook Information
Texts will be available on Studium.
Italo Calvino, "Il Drago dalle sette teste" (da "Fiabe italiane");Luigi Capuana, "I tre anelli (da "C'era una volta...Fiabe");
Guido Gozzano, "Il re porcaro" (da "La danza degli gnomi e altre fiabe");
Gianni Rodari, "Il paese con l'esse davanti" e "La guerra delle campane (da "Favole al telefono").
Dino Buzzati, "I sette messaggeri" (da "Sessanta racconti");
Stefano Benni, "Introduzione storica" e "Luisona" (da "Bar Sport");
Elsa Morante, "Il soldato siciliano" (da "Lo scialle andaluso");
Anna Maria Ortese, "L’ultima lezione del signor Sulitjema" (da "In sonno e in veglia").
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" (from "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 analyze the following fairy tale from Calvino's Italian Folktales: which of Propp's functions are present? What is the main theme? How would you develop it in the classroom?
- Read and analyze the following short story by Buzzati: what narrative point of view does the narrator adopt? What narrative techniques are employed?