Elena Ferrante

Elena Ferrante is the author of the Neapolitan novel series, whose global success has established her as one of the most powerful voices of contemporary world literature. Her identity, however, is still one of the greatest mysteries in modern literature. In this workshop we will explore why the novels have attracted such interest and passion and we will look at the various hypotheses advanced in the Italian and foreign press a...

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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 22 Jun 2026
    End Date: 22 Jun 2026
    Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: LNW61
    Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
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  • Start Date: 23 Jul 2026
    End Date: 23 Jul 2026
    Thu (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: LNW63
    Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
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In stock
SKU
234324
Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00

What is the course about?

This seminar is a short introduction to the author Elena Ferrante and her (his?) work. Elena Ferrante, one of the most important and most famous Italian writers of the 21st century, has managed to keep her identity secret. This lecture will look at her series of Neapolitan novels which started with L'amica geniale (My Brilliant Friend) and examine some of the themes that run through them, as well as looking at the city of Naples.

What will we cover?

- The plots, themes and language of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels.
- Naples from the fifties to the present day.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- have a better appreciation of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels.
- understand a bit more about the novels' Neapolitan setting.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This lecture will be conducted in Italian and is therefore aimed at learners with at least a strong intermediate level of the language.

For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self assessment chart at the start of the languages section of our course guide or at <a href=http://www.citylit.ac.uk/self-assess-your-level>http://www.citylit.ac.uk/self-assess-your-level</a>

 

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material.
Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other cost. Students will just need to bring a pen and paper.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This is a one-off seminar, but learners are encouraged to look at other seminars offered by our team of Italian lecturers.

Veronica De Felice

Ciao! My name is Veronica De Felice and I come from Southern Italy. I was born in Pompei ("not in the ruins", a joke I always make with my students) and I have always been fond of languages. Indeed, I studied languages at secondary school (English, Spanish, French and Latin) and I graduated at the University of Naples, l'Orientale, with a BA (Hon) in Modern Foreign Languages. I moved to London in 2002 and, after three years, I gained a CLTA qualification at Goldsmith University, and a few years later a level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector. In 2006, I started working as an Italian tutor in various colleges and universities, such as Goldsmith College, the University of Arts, Croydon College, University of Wesminster, City University and City Lit since 2010. At the moment, I am also teaching A level italian at LAE Tottenham, and the IB diploma in an international school in central London. I believe that studying and speaking another language expands your personal and communication skills, and makes you see the world from a different perspective. For me, learning a language is about challenging yourself, getting out of your comfort zone and having fun!

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.