Italian Language and Culture II

Catalog description

This is a course in Italian culture and language with a streamlined review of grammar. The course deals with the social, political, economic, demographic, and cultural issues of contemporary Italy. At the same time links are drawn between past and present, evidencing the importance of tradition and history in Italian society. A student with prior experience in Italian must take the Italian placement exam. SPRING 2018: This course traces the development of Italian film from the 1900's silent films to the 21st Century. We will follow a trajectory beginning with the epic tradition of Pastrones Cabiria (1914) and Carmine Gallone's Scipio Africans of the Fascist Regime, and continue with study of the Telefoni Bianchi (Art Deco) films of the 30s, neorealism of post-war Italy, the commedia all italiana (Italian style comedy (1950-1970), the humor of Paolo Virzì, the intellectual and artistic concerns of Nanni Moretti, and conclude with Sorrentino's, Il Divo. Students will continue to build their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Italian while developing their appreciation of the impact of Italian Film as a cultural and artistic force. The assignments and learning activities which accompany each film provide opportunities for discussion, research, reflection and conversation. The course places emphasis on the historical and cultural situations presented in the films, to help students broaden their background on the history, customs, and geographical representations of Italy. The class will be conducted in Italian. Prerequisite: 82-262