Introductory description

What do books tell us? The module aims to explore this question considering what books, in their material and digital forms, can reveal of history, society and the publishing field.
Looking at Italian works and translations published in Italy from the second half of the Nineteenth century to the 2000s, this module will focus on the central role of the paratext (book covers, illustrations, series …) as a place of direct contact between readers and publishers. Students will develop a detailed knowledge of the history of publishing in Italy in this time frame, and will be encouraged to reflect on the role of key historical moments and authors in shaping the Italian publishing field.
The analysis of the texts and the awareness of the dynamics of the publishing field will allow the students to design their final project where they will themselves become publishers of a new book edition.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1 Introduction to history of the book, history of publishing and publishing field. What is a paratext and its historical and sociological relevance
Week 2: From post-unitarian Italy to the 1930s: 'La capanna dello zio Tom', a long history of publishing for different audiences
Week 3: Illustrating under the Fascist regime: 'Piccole Donne' from drawings to photographs
Week 4: Post-war Italy. Inside a publishing house: Einaudi
Week 5: Primo Levi and Italo Calvino: prefaces
Week 6: Reading week
Week 7: Transnational writers: marketing from the 1990s to nowadays
Week 8: Open book. Digital paratext: the case of Wu Ming
Week 9: Practical session on publishing software. How to write a book introduction/preface
Week 10: Final session. Retracing all the steps to create a new edition

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• The ability to critically analyse and evaluate texts in the target language by applying key theoretical concepts in relation to the history of publishing, the publishing field and the paratext
• To demonstrate a sophisticated and systematic understanding of the history of publishing in Italy from the 1850s to the 2000s and reflect on the role of the visual and written paratext in this time frame
• Build on the research and written skills and present ideas in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• To demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the history of publishing in Italy from the 1850s to the 2000s and reflect on the role of the visual and written paratext in this time frame
• Apply and extend their knowledge to create their own book edition
• Demonstrate research skills and digital literacy skills in both English and the target language
• Demonstrate relevant IT skills
• The ability to critically analyse texts in the target language by applying key theoretical concepts in relation to the history of publishing, the publishing field and the paratext
• Carry on independent research to create their own book edition

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

International

All modules delivered in SMLC are necessarily international. Students engage with themes and ideas from a culture other than that of the UK and employ their linguistic skills in the analysis of primary materials from a non-Anglophone context. Students will also be encouraged to draw on the experiences of visiting exchange students in the classroom and will frequently engage with theoretical and critical frameworks from across the world.

Subject specific skills

This module will develop students’ linguistic skills through engaging with primary materials in the target language. It will build students’ capacity to engage with aspects of Italian culture through analysis of this primary material and through seminar discussion aimed at deeper critical thinking. In particular, students’ awareness of Within and beyond books: theory, history and practice will be enhanced through lectures and seminars which engage in scholarship in the field.

Transferable skills

All SMLC culture modules demand critical and analytical engagement with artefacts from target-language cultures. In the course of independent study, class work and assessment students will develop the following skills: written and oral communication, creative and critical thinking, problem solving and analysis, time management and organisation, independent research in both English and their target language(s), intercultural understanding and the ability to mediate between languages and cultures, ICT literacy in both English and the target language(s), personal responsibility and the exercise of initiative.