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LITERATURE AND DARWINISM. Outlines of Biopoetics
LETTERATURA E DARWINISMO. Lineamenti di biopoetica
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:32
Abstract
After an extensive analysis of the biocultural turn in literary theory, the lectures will focus on the so-called Literary Darwinism, both in its orthodox version and in the forms that draw on the sciences of the mind and cognitive archaeology.
Objective
Outlining the basic features of a "biopoetics". This means bringing together the sciences of “bíos” with literary theory in the broader context of a study of the narrative niche of Homo Sapiens.
Content
In the famous conference on Darwinism in art (1883) Francesco De Sanctis, while expressing unconditional admiration for the English scientist and writer, already warned scholars of literature and aesthetics on the risks of a too mechanical application of the principles of the new biology to the Humanities. However, he did not fail to grasp the inevitability of a comparison with the "new science" that Charles Darwin had founded. More than a century later, the science of literature is called, with new arguments, to this dialogue and to overcome, once and for all, the thesis of the "two cultures". After an extensive analysis of the biocultural turn in literary theory, the lectures will focus on the so-called Literary Darwinism, both in its orthodox version and in the forms that draw on the sciences of the mind and cognitive archaeology. Today, outlining the basic features of a "biopoetics" means bringing together the sciences of “bíos” with literary theory in the broader context of a study of the narrative niche of Homo Sapiens.
General Information
- Language
- Italian
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | LETTERATURA E DARWINISMO. Lineamenti di biopoetica |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )