Il Decameron di Boccaccio. Ritratto della Toscana del XIV secolo
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: LNW60
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
In the 14th century, Boccaccio created a ground breaking literature about Medieval themes seen through his own impressions of real life characters. The Decameron is his most famous work. Come and enjoy his entertaining and worldly tales. Comic and tragic, bawdy and satiric in turns, Boccaccio was criticised in his own time for writing on topics that were considered immoral at the time.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Boccaccio's literary style, his influences, and the historical background in which he was working.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Have a better understanding of 14th-century Tuscany
- Be inspired to read (or reread) Boccaccio's Decameron.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This lecture will be conducted in Italian and is therefore aimed at those of you with an advanced level of the language. It is suitable if you are attending Italian 4 or 5 at City Lit or have an equivalent level.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a lecture and is therefore tutor-led. Facts will be presented through the use of video clips, presentations, hand-outs etc.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The tutor will provide materials. If a text is recommened, please try the European Bookshop by selecting 'City Lit' and the language you are studying at this web page or call them at 020 7734 5259. If you state on the website, by phone or in the shop that you are studying with us, you can claim a 10% discount. You might be asked for your student number.
Francesco has taught Italian language classes and literature at City Lit since 2014. He also works as Head of the Classics Department. After graduating with honours in Modern Languages and Literatures (English, German and Serbo-Croat), he moved to London and started teaching Italian at various adult education colleges, which gave him the opportunity to share his interest in Italian language, culture and traditions to a diverse range of students. During this time, he also acquired experience in curriculum management. Francesco currently prepares students for Italian exams. His passion includes philology, Dante, early Italian literature and the history of Italy (primarily the Northeast, where he grew up and was educated).
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.
