A working knowledge of the English language.

The main aim of the course is to reach a comprehensive understanding of the work "Eureka" published in 1848 by the American writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), together with a nuanced contextualization of Poe's work in terms of historical, conceptual and social conditions. Further objectives include the enhancement of the ability to argue orally in an effective and persuasive way as well as the improvement of all those skills that are necessary to articulate a specific thesis in written form.

Science and Philosophy in Edgar Allan Poe: Reading "Eureka: An Essay on the Material and Spiritual Universe" (1848)

"Eureka" is an extraordinary record of Edgar Allan Poe's complex and profound philosophical commitments, and yet it remains less read and studied than other celebrated works of his. As recently pointed out by John Tresch, cosmology was a central interest for Poe, «at the summit of his life and thought, showing his work as a singular expression of the tumultuous ideas and passions of his age, thoroughly bound up with the emergence of modern science». Dedicated to Alexander von Humboldt, Poe's 'prose poem' is an arresting attempt at understanding the physical, metaphysical and mathematical make-up of the universe, seen as one reality, both material and spiritual. The course will explore the principal ontological tenets of "Eureka", the many links that this work has with both the poetical and the narrative output of its author, and the dramatic impact that the progress of science and technology at the time exercised on Poe's literary and philosophical reflections.

The teacher will take care of preparing an electronic folder including all the texts in PDF format whose knowledge is required to pass the final exam. The exam programme IS THE SAME for all students, regardless of whether they attend the classes or nor. In 'History of Philosophical Methods', all students are considered to be workers.

• 1.  (C) Edgar Allan Poe Poetry and Tales The Library of America, New York, 1984 » Pagine/Capitoli: 1259-1359
• 2.  (C) John Tresch Edgar Allan Poe and the Forging of American Science Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York, 2021

The teacher will take care of preparing an electronic folder including all the texts in PDF format whose knowledge is required to pass the final exam.

• The course is based on a close reading of "Eureka" and on a thorough contextualization - both philosophical and historical - of the principal themes addressed in the text in question. Students will be encouraged in class to engage 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 further engage with the results of the written essay.