Course description

In this course we will consider Elena Ferrante’s L’amica geniale as one novel in four volumes, despite the frequent use, in English, of the label “Neapolitan novels.” We will read the tetralogy analyzing both narrative techniques and themes. We will focus on the relationship between the narrator and the story, and on the notion of friendship elucidated in the novel. We will give particular attention to its affective landscape, which includes both petty feelings such as envy and more violent emotions such as anger, envy, anxiety. We will also look at Ferrante’s previous production, both fictional and non-fictional, and read some of the extant scholarship on her work.

Pre-requisites: ENG 12000 – counts toward MAJOR in Italian Language and Civilization – cross listed with COMPL 38115 – class number: 63708

Learning Objectives 

1. to familiarize with the works, the themes and the narrative strategies of one of the most influential Italian authors of the present day;
2. to learn how to examine a literary text in prose, identify, analyzing and contextualizing key structural elements of Ferrante’s Quartet;
3. to engage in discussions, research, writing and peer reviews to improve one’s understanding of the methods and sources used in literary studies;
4. to hone presentation skills and writing skills in accordance with real and potential audiences, in formal and informal settings;
5. to practice and deepen skills in academic writing and increase digital literacy by engaging in writing posts and online annotations, becoming familiar with proper netiquette in an online academic setting and aware of academic integrity. See also: Netiquette in an Online Academic Setting.

Requirements

Participation

I expect students to come to classes prepared, that is, having read and reflected on the assigned texts, having posted or commented on fellow students’ posts, etc. If you don’t come to class you are not participating, therefore your grade will be lowered if you miss more than one class (3 hours).

Students are required to attend a lecture on the TV series My Brilliant Friend, given by Prof. Giancarlo Lombardi (November 7).

NB: You will evaluate your own participation based on your attendance and engagement in class for about 80% of the grade. I will decide for the remaining 20% of the grade. Participation is 25% of your final grade. Here is the chart you can use for your own evaluation.

Self-grading chart

Blogging

You are expected to blog once a week, in advance of our Wednesday’s class, for a total of 10 posts over the course of the semester. (We will not post the first or last week of class or during the week of Thanksgiving). Posts should be approximately 250-300 words and engage critically with the assigned reading for the upcoming class session. In addition to your own posts, each student will take a turn synthesizing your classmate’s comments on a given day. That is, you’ll compose a “meta-post” – a post about others’ posts – highlighting the major concerns, questions, or ideas that surface in your classmates’ comments. Posts are due by 9pm the Monday before class meets. Meta-posts are due before the start of class time. Please sign up for a “meta-posting” day on the posting schedule.

Content of your blogging: in your blog you can a) pick a passage that stood out to you (include page reference) and write a short reflection (one/two paragraph) on why this passage is relevant in the context of the class or your own research for this class. The reasons might be personal, intellectual, emotive, or otherwise; b) reflect on how one of the topics analyzed during the course plays out in the readings assigned for the week; c) engage with a secondary sources and discuss it with reference to the readings assigned for the week.

Blog posts will not be graded for content by the instructor, but only as “completed/not completed”. The student in charge of the meta-blog will express her evaluation of the general quality of the posts.

Blogging will be 15% of your final grade.

Midterm presentation

During the first weeks of class you will pick a topic for a project on which you will present on October 30. Ideally you are also presenting on the topic of your final paper. During the second part of the semester you will conduct some more research and think about your idea for the final paper.

Ferrante Midterm Conference – Program

The presentation will be 15% of your final grade. Here is your Rubric.

Final exam

The final exam will cover material from the entire course. It will include a quotation to comment on, and short and long answer questions.

The final exam will be 20% of your final grade.

Final paper

Your topic can be the same of your presentation, but your thesis must be redefined. Instructions are to be found under the tab “Assignments”.

The final paper will be 25% of your final grade.

Grading Method & Scale

Participation 25% – Blogging 15% – Presentation 15% – Final exam 20% – Final paper 25%

 

Policy for late and missed assignments and exams

I understand that sometimes life/family/work make our life hard and our good intention to meet a deadline suffer. I accept late assignments, provided that you have a good reason and that it’s not a habit. Make-up exams for the midterm cannot be taken more than one week after the original date. No make-up is possible if you miss the final exam.

Communication

Please use the following address for all communications: sp1122@hunter.cuny.edu.

Hunter College Policy on Academic Integrity

“Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.”

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

I will attempt to create an environment as inclusive as possible, where students feel both free and safe to speak, but always respecting the others in their individuality and diversity of race, gender, religion, ability and age.

• The content of this course will lead us to discuss inequality, sexism, and violence against women and subaltern groups. If any of the topics discussed in class make you uncomfortable, please talk to me.
• I also respect any sexual orientation and gender identity. Please let me know what pronouns you prefer to use or if you have alternative names.
• If you feel your life outside the class has impacted your ability to perform in class, please talk to me. Hunter has recourses for students that you might not be aware of.

ADA Policy (Suggested language from the Office of AccessABILITY)

In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical, Physical, and/or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY, located in Room E1214B, to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance, please call: (212) 772- 4857 or (212) 650-3230.

Hunter College Policy on Sexual Misconduct

“In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College. a. Sexual Violence: Students are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident by calling 911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline (646-610-7272) or their local police precinct, or contacting the College’s Public Safety Office (212-772-4444). b. All Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to contact the College’s Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean John Rose ([email protected] or 212-650-3262) or Colleen Barry ([email protected] or 212-772-4534) and seek complimentary services through the Counseling and Wellness Services Office, Hunter East 1123. CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct Link: http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/la/Policy-on-SexualMisconduct-12-1-14-with-links.pdf.

Syllabus Change Policy

Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice. Students can find out about changes to the syllabus via the website of the course and class attendance.