Italians in the World: A Global Journey

Catalog description

This course delves into the rich history and cultural impact of the Italian diaspora, focusing on the migration patterns from the unification of Italy in 1861 to the present day. While the United States remains a prominent destination for Italian emigrants, this course also explores Italian communities in Canada, South America, Australia, and other European countries. Students will investigate the reasons behind Italian emigration, the experiences of Italian immigrants, and the cultural traditions they carried with them. Through a multidisciplinary approach, including historical analysis, literary works, critical essays, films, art, music, and pop culture artifacts, the course will examine: • Historical Background: The socio-economic and political factors driving Italian emigration. • Global Destinations: The diverse countries Italians emigrated to and their reasons for choosing these destinations. • Cultural Transmission: The customs, traditions, and cultural practices Italians brought to their new homes. • Identity Formation: The challenges and processes of identity construction among Italian immigrants. • Creative Expressions: The representation of Italian immigrant experiences in literature, film, art, and music. • Contemporary Reflections: Modern issues of immigration, diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism, and their connections to the Italian diaspora. By exploring these themes, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Italian diaspora and reflect on broader issues of heritage and identity.