LETTERATURA, LINGUA E CULTURA ITALIANA

degree

Academic Degree Type:

Master or equivalent second cycle

Duration (years):

2

Located in:

NOVEDRATE

Course Catalogue:

https://uniecampus.coursecatalogue.cineca.it//cors...

Objectives

Specific educational objectives
Graduates of the Master's Degree in Modern Philology are expected to have a strong basic methodological background, essential for future teachers in linguistic-literary, historical and artistic fields. The programme also offers highly versatile profiles suitable for careers in publishing, multimedia, cultural preservation and promotion.

The primary aim of the course is to train humanities professionals with an outstanding level of computer and technological literacy, and who are able to demonstrate analytical, critical and practical skills. These skills are essential for navigating interdisciplinary intersections within different cultural fields. Throughout the two-year programme, students will develop a broad cultural base, integrating diverse knowledge and methodologies.
The first year covers historical and theoretical knowledge of literature, art and history, approached from a critical perspective and accompanied by technical-linguistic skills. The second year focuses on developing in-depth methodological skills in either literature or cultural heritage management.
The curriculum emphasises the ability to critically contextualise different literary traditions within their historical, political and cultural perspectives. Students will also develop analytical skills based on a solid foundation in philology, linguistics and rhetoric. In order to allow students to pursue their aptitudes and professional interests, the programme offers a range of electives. These allow students to delve into classical disciplines essential for teaching, linguistic or philological areas necessary for academic careers, or valuable insights into the editorial and information fields.
In addition, the curriculum focuses on the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, and on the design and implementation of events with an integrated perspective on cultural and environmental heritage. The curriculum includes activities aimed at the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the analysis, communication and management of cultural heritage, combining different areas of specialised knowledge, such as historical-cultural, socio-economic, artistic and territorial aspects.
Language and computer skills are emphasised, as are work placements in public and private institutions to put theoretical knowledge into practice. This ensures that students can effectively design, manage and promote cultural initiatives through communication strategies.
The essential computer and technology skills that are vital for students at a distance learning university may also be used effectively in professional settings. Graduates will have the necessary skills in order to work in the research and education sectors, as well as in the creation and dissemination of cultural products. This will be possible through the Writing Workshops offered as part of the course. Moroever, graduates will be qualified for high-level positions in public and private institutions in the fields of culture, publishing, cultural information, advertising and entertainment.

The curriculum begins with a broad base of common courses, which encompass a thorough knowledge of Italian literature, Italian linguistics, English, in-depth studies of medieval or modern history, and modern or contemporary art history. Students can choose between two specific curricula:

1. Philological Curriculum: This curriculum is the second part of the training programme for secondary school teachers, which, according to the regulations, must be complemented by a course of initial training and practical work. By the end of the course, students will have acquired a broad scientific and disciplinary knowledge, as well as remarkable analytical and critical skills in relation to the textual and contextual data of Italian and European literature, both medieval and modern. The main objective is to provide students with a methodologically sound understanding of the literary tradition, the ability to critically contextualise this tradition within the historical, political and cultural perspectives of different periods, and to analyse texts using appropriate philological, linguistic and rhetorical tools. For this reason, the curriculum includes courses on Italian literature (L-FIL-LET/10), foreign literatures (English [L-LIN/10], German [L-LIN/14], French [L-LIN/04] and Spanish [L-LIN/05]) and contemporary Italian literature (L-FIL-LET/11). At the same time, the Master's programme in Modern Philology covers core disciplines of philology: Italian Philology, Romance Philology and Classical Philology (L-FIL-LET/13, L-FIL-LET/09, L-FIL-LET/05). Another aim of the programme is to develop students' in-depth knowledge of language forms, communication techniques and cultural forms (Italian Linguistics [L-FIL-LET/12], Cultural Anthropology [ABST55], Pragmatics and Text Linguistics [L-LIN/01]). The ability to recognise the links between modern literature and the ancient world is ensured by the study of classical civilisation (Latin Literature [L-FIL-LET/04] and Greek Literature [L-FIL-LET/02], Roman History [L-ANT/03]), from its ancient phase to its medieval and modern influence (Palaeography [M-STO/09]). The student's profile is further enriched by courses in History (Medieval History [M-STO/01], Modern History [M-STO/02]), Geography [M-GGR/01] and Art History (Modern [L-ART/02] and Contemporary [L-ART/03]), which provide the necessary support for historical-cultural contextualisation. The development of students' abilities and skills is also pursued through specific laboratory activities, including the examination of language structures (Phonetics Workshop), text production (Writing Workshop) and knowledge of the classical world (Greek Palaeography Workshop). The associated disciplinary areas aim to broaden the specific field of study within the Master's degree and to strengthen the knowledge of the cultural and artistic history of the territory.

2. Cultural Promotion Curriculum: This curriculum aims to train professionals capable of working in public and private cultural institutions and centres (archives, libraries, foundations), both in Italy and abroad, in tourism publishing, museums and superintendencies. The curriculum offers several possible paths within a wide range of related courses. These include a specialisation in Art History from Antiquity to the present day (L-ART/01, 02, 03). It begins with specific courses in art criticism and museology (L-ART/04) and aesthetics and theory of perception (M-FIL/04).
Another path focuses more on Italian literature and language in a contrastive sense. In this context, students are offered courses in Literary Criticism and Comparative Literature (L-FIL-LET/14) and in Teaching Native, Second and Foreign Languages (L-LIN/02). Such courses are designed both for Italian students interested in working with foreigners and for foreign students interested in Italian culture.
The third path focuses on cultural and expressive processes, for which the Sociology of Cultural Processes (SPS/08) is fundamental. The curriculum is completed by electives that offer in-depth studies of Mediterranean cultures (Archaeology and History of Mediterranean Cultures [L-ANT/07]), preservation institutes (Library and Digital Resources Management, Digital Archiving [M-STO/08], Palaeography [M-STO/09]) and literature (Latin Literature [L-FIL-LET/04], Contemporary Italian Literature [L-FIL-LET/11]). To this end, one course is specifically dedicated to the teaching and promotion of landscape and cultural heritage (SPS/08).
These elements form an integral part of a comprehensive training programme whereby Italian culture and civilisation are promoted and supported by public and private organisations, whether Italian or foreign, active in the promotion and dissemination of Italy's artistic and cultural heritage. Graduates will also be able to work as experts in Italian and foreign agencies and institutions that promote and assist tourism in Italy. For this reason, besides a compulsory English exam, students are required to have knowledge of at least one other foreign language. The wide range of languages available includes the main European languages (L-LIN/04, 07, 14) and Arabic (L-OR/12), with a view to promoting a multicultural perspective within the Mediterranean region.

Applying knowledge and understanding (2)

I - Knowledge and understanding
Linguistics and Philology:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the methods of textual criticism and an understanding of the challenges it poses.
2. Awareness of the historical background and current trends in textual criticism.
3. Acquire knowledge of the processes of textual production and transmission in ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary times.
4. Understand the different methodologies used in the critical study and editing of written evidence from different historical periods, including the external and internal linguistic history of the Italian language.
5. Understand the processes that led from Vulgar Latin to Ancient Italian and the stages that led to the formation of the Italian literary language.
6. Develop insights into diachronic linguistics in order to understand the historical development of Italian and other languages studied.
7. Understand the basic concepts and terms of stylistics.
8. Understand contemporary trends in the Italian language.

Modern Languages and Literatures:
1. Acquire knowledge of some of the major literatures of medieval and modern Europe (Italian, English, German and Spanish) in relation to the history and culture of their respective regions.
2. Understand the historical profile of these literatures, including the cultural contexts in which the various authors worked, as well as the main aesthetic and literary movements.
3. Identify the main authors of the literatures studied.
4. Understand and analyse the main texts of the literatures studied.
5. Recognise different styles and registers of literary communication.
6. Demonstrate a command of English and (for one course) a second European language (French, German, Spanish) or Arabic.
7. Awareness of the different linguistic skills involved in the expression of a mother tongue or a second language, and an understanding of the mechanisms of learning in special circumstances.

Artistic and cultural disciplines:
1. Acquire knowledge of the complexity and richness of the Italian cultural heritage in order to contextualise and deepen understanding of contemporary literary production.
2. To be aware of the main aesthetic movements in the historical-artistic and musical fields.
3. Understand the reading and analysis techniques used by the historical-artistic and musical disciplines to approach artistic and musical products.
4. Understand the reading and analysis techniques used by anthropological and sociological disciplines to approach cultural phenomena.
5. Understand cultural and geographical contexts and their specificities.

Ancient, Medieval and Modern History:
1. To acquire knowledge of Italian and European history in the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Modern and Contemporary periods.
2. Understand the spatial and temporal coordinates of the main events and historical processes in medieval and modern Italy and Europe.
3. Knowledge of the historical and social context of Italy and Europe from the Middle Ages to the present day, as a basis for literary and linguistic study.

Classical Literature:
1. To acquire knowledge of the complexity and richness of classical culture in order to better understand the culture of medieval and modern Europe.
2. Awareness of the key features of Latin and/or Greek literary history in their historical development, in order to establish links between ancient culture and the Western literary tradition.
3. Identify the main authors, works and genres of Latin and/or Greek literature.
4. Understand the main features of ancient Roman and/or Greek history, society and culture.

Job-related competences
On successful completion of the programme, graduates will have the necessary qualifications to pursue careers in teaching and research. They will be well prepared to contribute to the development and dissemination of cultural products. In addition, they will be equipped at an early stage of their careers to take up positions of responsibility in specific institutions that focus on the preservation of cultural heritage, such as government archives, libraries, museums and superintendencies. Graduates will also find opportunities in various public and private institutions in the cultural, tourism, publishing, information, advertising, entertainment and cultural promotion sectors, including cultural centres, institutes, foundations and academies.
The acquisition of the following set of skills is essential for such positions:
- Mastery of Italian language.
- Sufficient competence in teaching Italian to foreigners.
- A high degree of specialisation in Italian literary history.
- A broad understanding of Italian art and culture.

Applying knowledge and understanding

II - Applying knowledge and understanding
Linguistics and Philology
1. Awareness of the issues involved in the reception and dissemination of texts.
2. Critical engagement with written testimonies from different historical periods.
3. Reading and interpretation of written testimonies from past periods.
4. Production of a critical text using the principles and methods of textual criticism.
5. Use and production of critical apparatus.
6. Identification and interpretation of linguistic change with an awareness of the historicity of language.
7. Ability to recognise the main phonetic, morphosyntactic and lexical features of the texts studied, distinguishing literary language from colloquial language.
8. Ability to carry out a stylistic analysis of Italian literary texts, both prose and poetry.
9. Knowledge of the specific features of non-literary texts, identifying their communicative functions and expressive purposes.
10. Awareness of different linguistic registers in both literary and non-literary texts.

Modern languages and literatures
1. Contextualise literary texts and their authors within historical, political and cultural frameworks.
2. Evaluate the impact of different authors on literary codification.
3. Interpret and critically analyse key texts from the literatures studied from a linguistic, stylistic and cultural perspective.
4. Identify the links and differences between Italian literature and major European literatures.
5. Evaluate, correct and produce texts of different genres and registers.
6. Demonstrate ability to teach a language in specific learning contexts.

Artistic and cultural disciplines
1. Place artistic and musical products and their creators in their historical, political and cultural contexts.
2. Productively compare the fields of art and music with literature.
3. Recognise similarities and differences between major aesthetic movements in art and music and contemporary literary trends.
4. Apply techniques of reading and analysis from the historical, artistic and musical disciplines to literary works.
5. Apply techniques of interpretation and analysis from anthropological and sociological disciplines to cultural phenomena in literature.
6. Identify strategies for the promotion of cultural products, taking into account social and economic dynamics.

Ancient, Medieval and Modern History
1. Critically approach cultural issues related to the Italian and European historical context of the medieval and modern periods, distinguishing different aspects of complex events.
2. Recognise cause and effect relationships between historical and cultural phenomena.
3. Situate various artistic and literary expressions in their respective historical and social contexts.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the historicity of cultural events.
5. Use historical knowledge to construct cultural itineraries in different areas (museums, art galleries, cultural associations).

Classical Literatures
1. Contextualise literary texts and their authors within a historical, political and cultural framework.
2. Read and understand texts in their original language.
3. Critically interpret texts from the literatures studied, analysing them linguistically and stylistically, and understanding their historical and cultural references.
4. Critically identify and exploit elements of continuity and discontinuity between classical culture and the literary and cultural traditions of medieval and modern Europe.

Computer and organisational skills
1. Manage and use the main computer tools for word processing and bibliographical research.
2. Management and design of databases and computer archives.
3. Manage and design computer text corpora.

Autonomy of judgements

III – Making Judgments
The learning objectives outlined in this descriptor are achieved primarily through a combination of distance learning exercises and seminar activities. During these interactive sessions, lecturers will introduce critical methodological tools and allow students to engage directly with themes that are relevant to each discipline. This immersive approach enables students to test and evaluate potential solutions based on well-reasoned hypotheses.
In particular, with a view to preparing for their final dissertation, students will practise researching bibliographical data and using it effectively to formulate interpretive hypotheses about concrete and/or theoretical issues. Furthermore, they will develop a keen appreciation of the practical applications and existing links between different subjects. Ultimately, this dynamic learning process fosters the acquisition of independent judgement, which is an essential attribute for one's future professional endeavours.
The teaching methods vary and include exercises, self-assessment tests, workshops, individual work and traditional or individual examinations. These assessments are designed to focus on the development of well-defined research projects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Communication skills

IV - Communication skills
The ability to communicate one's conclusions, reflections or project work effectively, both in written and oral form, is essential. In this respect, students should be able to use multimedia tools and technical vocabulary in a variety of contexts, ranging from general purposes to highly specialised areas, whilst ensuring maximum communicative effectiveness. An in-depth understanding of cultural context and socio-historical mechanisms allows the development of high level communication skills, enabling students to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
Students are expected to achieve the educational objectives outlined in this descriptor primarily on a distance learning basis. They will attend simulated lectures on specific topics during workshops and seminars, using the latest analytical perspectives and mediation tools. The acquisition of the required knowledge and skills will be assessed through the writing of bibliographically referenced essays on specific topics, the analysis and commentary of texts and sources, and the completion of written and/or oral examinations. Continuous assessment during teaching activities will also assist in skill development.
Collaborative group work will be encouraged in order to prepare learners to work with increased autonomy and responsibility. This preparation will facilitate their smooth integration into a variety of work settings.

Learning skills

V - Learning skills
Students of online universities are expected to take responsibility for their own learning, which makes autonomy a crucial skill. While the support of the reference lecturer and tutor is available, one's own self-management skills are paramount. The workshops provided by the course play an important role in fostering student autonomy. As well as imparting disciplinary knowledge, these workshops encourage critical thinking and the development of independent judgement.
The maturity and competence of students is assessed throughout their academic journey. This takes the form of preparation, examinations and interactive teaching sessions conducted online. Ultimately, the final dissertation defence represents the pinnacle of the degree programme and is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

Enrolling requirements

Admission requirements

There is no quota system for admission to the course. Admission is open to graduates of all Italian universities with the following degrees:

A) In accordance with Ministerial Decree 270/04:
L-1 CULTURAL HERITAGE
L-3 FINE ARTS, MUSIC, PERFORMING ARTS AND FASHION DISCIPLINES
L-5 PHILOSOPHY
L-6 GEOGRAPHY
L-10 LITERATURE
L-11 MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES
L-42 HISTORY
L-43 TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

B) In accordance with Ministerial Decree 509/99:
Class 5 - Humanities
Class 11 - Modern Languages and Cultures
Class 13 - Cultural Heritage Sciences
Class 23 - Sciences and Technologies of the Visual Arts, Music, Performing Arts and Fashion
Class 29 - Philosophy
Class 30 - Geographical sciences
Class 38 - History
Class 41 - Technologies for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage

C) Students with an older (four-year) degree in Literature, Languages, Philosophy or History are also admitted. Students holding one of the above degrees must have achieved a total of 24 ECTS in the following academic disciplines most directly related to the Master's degree:
L-FIL-LET/04
L-FIL-LET/05
L-FIL-LET/10
L-FIL-LET/11
L-FIL-LET/12
L-FIL-LET/13
L-LIN/01
M-FIL/05

Students are also required to have achieved a total of 18 ECTS credits in the following supporting, contextual or more general Academic Fields and Disciplines List (SSD fields):
L-LIN/01
L-LIN/02
L-LIN/03
L-LIN/04
L-LIN/05
L-LIN/06
L-LIN/07
L-LIN/08
L-LIN/09
L-LIN/10
L-LIN/11
L-LIN/12
L-LIN/13
L-LIN/01
M-STO/01
M-STO/02
M-STO/05
M-STO/09
M-FIL/06
M-FIL/08

Students with a recognised foreign qualification are eligible for admission.

Access to further studies

Access to third cycle studies in QF-EHEA / 8° livello EQF

Final examination

Details of the final examination

The Master's degree requires the completion of a written dissertation in which candidates are expected to demonstrate the acquisition of specific cultural skills and the capacity for critical elaboration. The procedure for the dissertation will be determined by the relevant Studies Board. In order to optimise the two-year period, the subject of the dissertation should be as specific and focused as possible.
Students will be supervised by a reference lecturer and a second lecturer who will act as co-rapporteur. This ensures the quality of the dissertation in terms of both content and form. The aim is to promote originality and depth of research, while giving the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and analytical abilities.