The Department of Italian Cultural Studies introduces students to the characteristics of Italian culture through diverse fields such as cinema, art, architecture, design, and fashion. Many courses include a language component that allows students to understand and appreciate the subjects discussed using the Italian as a means to discover culture.
3 semester credits. This course explores the cultural anthropology and sociology of the Italian-American family from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. Topics will focus on the following themes: stereotypes, gender, religion, politics, social change, and community character and adaptation. Students will analyze newspapers, magazines, and narrative fiction, as well as documentaries, feature films, and popular television programs. Special attention will be paid to the emotional and cultural experience of the return of Italian-Americans to their roots in Italy.
3 semester credits. Literature can be framed as the mirror and critique of social life. The course delves into the diverse nuances of Italian life through the captivating stories of renowned contemporary authors, who offer different glimpses into the unique landscapes, traditions, and socio-political realities of Italian regions. Through the analysis of plot structures, vocabulary, characters’ development, and themes, the course explores diverse societal narratives dealing with identity, oppression, and desire. These include the North/South divide, migration, integration, political struggle, gender norms, mental health, symbolic values, and religious customs. Students will read and discuss a variety of contemporary novels and screen adaptations in order to gain insights into Italian culture while also developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
3 semester credits. This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning class in different locations throughout Tuscany. Students will have the chance to gain critical insight of this superb region as they uncover its unity and fragmentation in terms of territory, gastronomy, social structure, and historical layers. The course will reveal local hidden gems, with the aim of having students embark on an authentic learning experience focused on the traditions, values, and social fabric of Tuscany. The course places emphasis on a variety of Tuscan landmarks, with emphasis on religion, mythology, gastronomy, art and architecture, and folklore. Topics explored will incude: music opera, villas, folktales such as Pinocchio, the wine traditions of Chianti and Montalcino, al fresco meals, and impressive castles. The itinerary will take students through various communities and landscapes of the Mediterranean Riviera, hills, and mountains, immersing them in the richness Tuscany has to offer. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide students with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students will be encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytical social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of education through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include onsite field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The course’s field learning experience is cultural in scope and aims to be comprehensive. Field-related content is not limited to the course topic but seeks to supplement and enrich it. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.