ITAL-4385 Madness in Ital Lit/Theater

 Course Description

The course is conceived as a voyage through different ages of Italian literature, theater, and culture, focusing on the representation of madness in literary texts and society. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, from the 18th to the 20th century, we will analyze madness also in theater and opera. We will analyze the different relations towards madness during various ages and in the works of authors such as Ariosto, Boccaccio, Pirandello, Svevo (and others), and composers such as Donizetti or Verdi. Short written assignments, a midterm exam, an oral presentation on a topic selected by the student, and a final paper will be required. The course will be conducted in Italian.