The Italian Tradition: Introduction to Italian Culture, or What Does It Mean to Be Italian

Catalog description

This course provides a general introduction to Italian culture and the Italian way of living, as well as art, cuisine, fashion, and design. The course will investigate the perception of Italian identity in Italy and outside. It will also explore Italian history from the Middle Ages to the 21 st century focusing on issues such as immigration, gender relations, and the differences between North and South. Specific weeks will be devoted to topics such as the Italian culinary tradition, soccer and its place in Italian national identity, the “soft power” of Italian creativity in the arts and fashion, and the lasting allure of “made in Italy.”