A working knowledge of English and a basic acquaintance with the principal trends in Western thought, especially during the nineteenth century.

The main aims of this course are to reach a comprehensive understanding of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus" and to explore a number of important themes related to nineteenth-century science, technology and philosophy of life. The principal ideas contained in the novel (technological creation, Galvanism, science and its limits, artificial intelligence) will be discussed and contextualized. Among the objectives for the students is to develop the ability to argue effectively, and to articulate a particular thesis in written form.

Ideas of life and death in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" (1818, 1831)

By focusing on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus", we are going to explore a number of important themes related to nineteenth-century science, technology and philosophy of life. The principal ideas contained in the novel (the myth of technological creation, Galvanism, artificial intelligence, the power of modern science and its limits) will be discussed and duly contextualized. Further bibliography (sources and critical literature) will be provided during the course according to specific requests from the students.

• 1.  (A) Mary Shelley Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2018
• 2.  (C) Mary Shelley Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus Penguin, London, 2003

• The course is based on a careful reading of "Frankenstein" and on a thorough contextualization - philosophical, historical and literary - of the principal themes addressed in the text. Students will be encouraged to engage in class with the main topics examined during the course, through questions, comments and critical remarks. Preparation of the written assignment required for the final exam will start early on during the term, through one-to-one meetings between student and teacher, and through discussions of potential preliminary drafts.

• Learning will be assessed through: 1) a written essay of about 4,000 words on one of the topics examined during the course, to be sent to the teacher by email at least ten days before the date of the final exam 2) final oral exam, where the student will also have the opportunity to debate the results of the written essay.

English