This course focuses on Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan quartet–L’amica geniale (2011), Storia del nuovo cognome (2012), Storia di chi fugge e di chi resta (2013), and Storia della bambina perduta (2014). The study of the four novels will also be an opportunity to focus on the history of Italy from the end of WW II to nowadays, on Italian and Neapolitan women writers, and on Naples’ history and culture. Students will progress in their critical analysis, writing, and research skills. The course is conducted in Italian for the Intermediate‐high and advanced levels combined and will be capped by a research paper.