Twentieth Century Italian Culture

Catalog description

This course will explore the interweaving of literature and politics in modern and contemporary Italy. We will investigate the intricate ways in which literature reflects and shapes the nation's identity, addressing profound themes such as war, family, religion, race, and sexuality. Through the lens of both celebrated and lesser-known Italian authors like Elena Ferrante, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Elsa Morante, and Italo Calvino, we will delve into the narratives that have influenced Italy's sociopolitical landscape. Complementing our literary exploration, film adaptations offer a vivid counterpoint, illustrating the pervasive influence of literariness in Italian culture. From Italy’s rapid industrialization to its experiences with democracy, totalitarianism, and imperialism, this course invites you to traverse the transformation of a nation and the powerful stories at its heart. This course is taught in Italian.