- From “Dago” to Dolce Vita: Italian Identity and the Immigrant Experience in the United States

Catalog description

This course examines the evolution of Italian identity in the United States from the mass migration of the late 19th century to the present day. Early Italian immigrants faced poverty, prejudice, and racial discrimination but forged vibrant communities that contributed significantly to American society. We will explore the social history of these migrants, their experiences of exclusion and discrimination, the successive assimilation, and their cultural production—from neighborhood traditions to Hollywood representation. We will also study the challenges faced by Italian Americans during World War II, when many were labeled “enemy aliens.” Finally, we will turn to contemporary forms of migration from Italy, analyzing how new immigrants negotiate their cultural and ethnical identity in relation to established Italian American communities, and within the broader American society. Through readings, discussions, films, and oral history projects, students will analyze issues of race, ethnicity, class, and national belonging while reflecting on the changing meaning of “Italian” in America.