Overview

This course aims to provide an introduction to the history and culture of Modern Italy from the early nineteenth century to the birth of the Italian Republic in the post-war era. Students will be introduced to the major political, social and cultural factors that contributed to the unification and the birth of Italy as a nation through an analysis of contemporary films set during the Risorgimento. A strong emphasis will then be placed on how narratives of an Italian national identity were used in cinema in post-unification Italy, and how they continued to shape the political debate in the fascist regime under Benito Mussolini, and in the Republic. Through the study of a variety of primary sources, students will be encouraged to reflect not only on particular social and historical movements, but also on issues relating to the development of an Italian national identity, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of contemporary Italy. This will entail a focus on issues related to the 'Southern Question' debate, women rights, emigration and education.

This course aims to provide an introduction to the history and culture of Modern Italy from the early nineteenth century to the birth of the Italian Republic in the post-war era. Students will be introduced to the major political, social and cultural factors that contributed to the unification and the birth of Italy as a nation through an analysis of contemporary films set during the Risorgimento. A strong emphasis will then be placed on how narratives of an Italian national identity were used in cinema in post-unification Italy, and how they continued to shape the political debate in the fascist regime under Benito Mussolini, and in the Republic. Through the study of a variety of primary sources, students will be encouraged to reflect not only on particular social and historical movements, but also on issues relating to the development of an Italian national identity, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of contemporary Italy. This will entail a focus on issues related to the 'Southern Question' debate, women rights, emigration and education.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D+: A grasp of key issues pertaining to the relevant aspect of Italian fiction, cinema, history and culture. At least partly-successful attempts to frame an argument utilising secondary materials.

-good -C- - B+:Good grasp of key issues pertaining to the relevant aspect of Italian fiction, cinema, history and culture. Solid analysis of topic area, making good use of relevant secondary sources to support argument.

-excellent -A- - A*: Excellent grasp of key issues pertaining to the relevant aspect of Italian fiction, cinema, history and culture. Clear appreciation of topic making good use of relevant secondary material and an impressive depth of knowledge and/or subtlety of analysis.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a mastery of basic study skills, such as the ability to follow a course of reading, make effective use of notes and secondary sources, and benefit from class discussions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key historical events that led to the unification of Italy in 1861, to the rise and fall of Fascism, and to the birth of the Italian Republic.

• Show a good knowledge of the works studied and of their authors, contextualizing them within the wider framework of Italian socio-historical background.

• Show awareness of the key issues surrounding the question of an Italian national identity, and how these narratives continued to inform political debates and popular culture in the years after Unification.