Representations of Rome in Film and Literature (1848-present) - First Year Seminar

Catalog description

The myth of Rome as “The Eternal City” stands as one of the longest enduring narratives in Western cultural history, spanning from the 1st century BC to contemporary times. In this course, students will delve into the historical trajectory of this term, with a specific focus on its literary and cinematic representations over the last two and a half centuries. Throughout the semester, fundamental questions will be explored: When and why did this myth originate? How was it politically and rhetorically wielded by historical figures such as Napoleon and Mussolini? Through engagement with an extensive array of sources, ranging from historical documents to literary and cinematic representations, along with 20th-century poetry, students will develop the critical and theoretical tools for the analysis of historical, literary, and cinematic texts. Simultaneously, they will immerse themselves in the history of one of the world’s most enduring urban centers. Commencing with an exploration of the historical roots defining Rome’s designation as “The Eternal City,” the course will progress to an examination of the political exploitation of this myth throughout modern history, starting from the mid 18th-century. Key topics addressed will include representations of Rome during the Grand Tour, the city's transformation from the seat of the Catholic Church to the capital of a modern secular democracy, its pivotal role in the development of fascist culture, its significance during the Second World War and the 1968 student protests, culminating in its contemporary multicultural identity.