Introduction to Italian Studies

Catalog description

This course explores Italian culture and society and examines the role of Italian art, cuisine, literature and history via readings, films, music, and lectures. What makes Italy Italy? What does it mean to be Italian? How do phenomena such as regionalism, the Mafia, and the European Union shape our understanding of contemporary Italy? The course analyzes the interactions among culture, politics, history, and society as a means of defining national identity.