The three long poems that constitute the Italian contribution to early modern European epic literature -- Boiardo's Orlando innamorato, Ariosto's Orlando furioso and Tasso's Gerusalemme liberata -- are, given their length and complexity, most often studied individually. This course will examine these three epic poems together through a close reading of selected passages from Boiardo and by utilizing the abridged version of the Orlando furioso edited by Italo Calvino, as well as Alfredo Giuliani's similar treatment of the Gerusalemme liberata. Issues related to earlier epic literature -- both classical and medieval -- will be addressed through a variety of critical approaches, while the enormous impact these Italian poems of the late 15th and 16th centuries had on the later development of early modern culture will also be explored.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN Grading Mode: Student Option
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
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