BUS/ITS 260
Made in Italy: The Italian Business Environment
The course analyzes the Italian Business environment, the characteristics of its culture and its inner workings. Students will be able to understand the different types of Italian corporate cultures and the role of family businesses in Italy. The course allows students to assess some of the most popular Italian brands and learn why "made in Italy" is a leading brand in the world, despite recent influences and threats from foreign investors. Company cases and special guests will be an important part of this course and will allow students to relate theory to practice.
CMS/ITS 241
Italian Cinema
(This course carries 3 semester hours of credit.)
This course surveys films, directors, and film movements and styles in Italy from 1945 to the present. The films are examined as complex aesthetic and signifying systems with wider social and cultural relationships to post-war Italy. The role of Italian cinema as participating in the reconstitution and maintenance of post-War Italian culture and as a tool of historiographic inquiry is also investigated. Realism, modernism and post-modernism are discussed in relation to Italian cinema in particular and Italian society in general. Films are shown in the original Italian version with English subtitles.
CMS/ITS 243
Cinematic Rome
(This course carries 3 semester hours of credit.)
An analysis of the social, aesthetic, political, and rhetorical implications of cinematic representations of Rome, from silent films to the present. This course will evaluate and discuss ten primary films, along with excerpts from a number of others. We will consider five main topics: Images of Ancient Rome; Before and After World War II; "Americans" in Rome, and Rome in America; Fellini’s Rome; and Urban Angst, Roman Style. As the semester progresses, we will consider how Rome functions as a "character" in the movies, as well as how The Eternal City comprises the mise-en-scène. We will assess the artistic representations of Roman monuments and streetscapes on movie sets, as opposed to location shooting. Special attention will be given to memory construction, as well as the rhetoric of "places and spaces" (how the physical/symbolic setting influences us). In this course, students will visit cinematic landmarks in Rome and write about their experiences
CMS/ITS 244
Popular Italian Cinema
This course seeks to provide frameworks for understanding the popularity of Italian cinema, its historical and cultural development, and the variety and pleasures that the category includes. This course seeks to examine the extraordinary historical popularity of cinema in Italy, providing the scholarly tools to analyze entertainment from the beginning of the sound era to contemporary cinema and will include examples of horror, peplum, melodrama, western and commedia all’italiana. It will enable students to develop critical tools of analysis both for cinema and for cultural studies, and is designed to complement – although not overlap with – other film courses on offer in the university.
CW/ITS 358
Creative Writing Workshop: The Art of Literary Translation
(Prerequisite: EN 103 or 105 with a grade of C or above; Italian studies majors should also have completed IT 301 to take this course.)
This course aims to develop the creative, editorial, and reading habits needed for literary translation; to develop an awareness of the theories associated with the practice of translating a work of literary excellence from one language into another; to foster an aesthetic sensibility for use in literary translation. Students will read and discuss theoretical texts and will create their own translations of works by authors that will be chosen by each student. These translations will be presented to the class in a traditional workshop format, with emphasis on analysis of the difficulties posed by the chosen text(s) and a justification for the choices made in rendering the texts into English. Students will compile a portfolio of the translations they produce during the term, having become familiar with the skills and sensitivities needed to translate works of literary merit and to discern the characteristics of quality literary translation.
CW/ITS 458
Advanced Art of Literary Translation
(Prerequisites: Junior Standing and two previous Creative Writing courses with a grade of B or higher)
This advanced course aims to develop the creative, editorial, and reading habits needed for literary translation; to develop an awareness of the theories associated with the practice of translating a work of literary excellence from one language into another; to foster an aesthetic sensibility for use in literary translation. Students will read and discuss theoretical texts and will create their own translations of works by authors that will be chosen by each student. These translations will be presented to the class in a traditional workshop format, with emphasis on analysis of the difficulties posed by the chosen text(s) and a justification for the choices made in rendering the texts into English. Students will compile a portfolio of the translations they produce during the term, having become familiar with the skills and sensitivities needed to translate works of literary merit and to discern the characteristics of quality literary translation.
CW/ITS 558
Graduate Workshop in the Art of Literary Translation
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS: Current enrollment in an accredited graduate program in Creative Writing OR, for students not currently pursuing a graduate program in creative writing but who wish to receive graduate credit, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (transcripts required) and assessment of a significant writing sample or previous publications. (See JCU website for application procedures)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This graduate course aims to develop the creative, editorial, and reading habits needed for literary translation; to develop an awareness of the theories associated with the practice of translating a work of literary excellence from one language into another; to foster an aesthetic sensibility for use in literary translation. Students will read and discuss theoretical texts and will create their own translations of works by authors that will be chosen by each student. These translations will be presented to the class in a traditional workshop format, with emphasis on analysis of the difficulties posed by the chosen text(s) and a justification for the choices made in rendering the texts into English. Students will compile a portfolio of the translations they produce during the term, having become familiar with the skills and sensitivities needed to translate works of literary merit and to discern the characteristics of quality literary translation.
EN/ITS 341
Modern Italian Drama in Translation
(Prerequisite: One previous course in English literature or permission of the instructor)
An in-depth study of Italian drama of the 20th century. Plays by, among others, Betti, Chiarelli, De Filippo, Fabbri, Fo, Maraini and Pirandello are analyzed with special emphasis on plot, theme, character, structure and technique. Social and existential problems of our time, as seen by the playwrights, are given particular consideration.
IT/GDR 335
Twentieth Century Italian Women Writers
(Prerequisite: Placement or IT 302 or permission of the instructor)
This course will deal with the writings of Italian women writers
(Aleramo, Deledda, Morante, Ginzburg, Banti, etc) of the late nineteenth
and twentieth centuries. Their contribution has been crucial in the
shaping of a recognizable, but still not fully acknowledged, "tradition"
of women writers in Italy. Through the particular perspectives of
distinguished Italian women writers, the course will explore versions of
“feminine writing” and will introduce gender- and genre-related issues.
Class discussion and assignments will examine themes such as the
construction of female identity and the role played by women’s writings
in the context of social and political emancipation for women in Italy.
All work will be in Italian.
ITS 244
Stardom and Celebrities in Italy
This course examines stardom in Italy, exploring its relevance and roles in the development of Italian national identities and the country’s collective imaginary. Drawing on examples from modern and contemporary media history, the course investigates such themes as fame, fandom, charisma, sex and gender, soft power, the construction of authenticity, and celebrity industries by focusing on case studies of single personalities commonly recognized as global stars. In doing so, the course aims at providing another perspective from which we can understand Italy’s culture and the making of public opinion in it. In exploring the worldwide appeal of Italian stars and their marketing as “brands”, it also provides further context for understanding what is internationally known as ‘Made in Italy’.
ITS 291
Language, Culture, and Italian Identities
This course aims to give an insight into the linguistic, cultural and sociological complexity of the ‘notion of Italy’. The topics studied, based primarily on literary texts but also taking into consideration other areas such as contemporary history, social studies and art history, include some of the major themes of Italian culture as well as examples of the various ‘identities’ that Italy offers today: the role played by Italian intellectuals in the construction of Italy as a nation, the long-lasting question of language, as well as the question of political and cultural unity, the Mafia and the institution of family-based structures, the Italian literary canon and the contemporary ideas of culture and literature.
ITS 292
Contemporary Italian Narrative in Translation
(Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above. *This class can substitute for one of the two EN LIT general distribution required courses. The other EN LIT course must have the EN prefix*)
This course is based on the analysis of excerpts from eight Italian novels that highlight the development of this genre in the twentieth century. Each student will also read one novel in its entirety. Through lectures and class discussions, emphasis will be placed on the author's social and political concerns and her or his role as writer and intellectual in Italian society. Students will also develop the ability to analyze literary texts according to language, style and content, and will be encouraged to participate in class discussions about the texts. In order to provide insight into the novels, as well as to stimulate classroom debate and discussion, the texts will be supplemented with selected background information, scholarly criticism, and visual media.
ITS 299
Special Topics in Italian Studies
(Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above)
An in-depth treatment of an area of concern within the field of Italian Studies. Topics may vary.
May be taken more than once for credit with different topics.
ITS 350
Dante's Inferno in Art, Literature and Film
(Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above)
This course undertakes an interdisciplinary reading of the Dante's Inferno from the perspectives of comparative literature, the history of art, music, and the history of cinema. Selected primary sources from across the fine arts over seven centuries of reception include architectural (Palacio Barolo, Terraglia’s ‘Danteum”) literary (from Chaucer to Heaney) visual (from medieval mss. to Blake to Rauschenberg to Greenaway), musical (Franz Liszt, Puccini) and sculptural (Rodin, etc.) "interpretations."
ITS 460
Research and Writing in Italian Studies
(Prerequisites: Senior Standing or Permission of the Instructor)
Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary field that covers the study of the Italian language, literature, art, history, politics, culture, and society. ITS 460 provides students with an overall understanding of the methodology, critical issues, and research techniques employed in the field, in preparation for the senior thesis. It explores various approaches to studying Italian literature, language, society, and culture, and equips students with the necessary skills to conduct independent research in the discipline. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, students will learn how to formulate research questions, locate, and evaluate primary and secondary sources, analyze textual and visual materials, and present their findings effectively both orally and in writing.
ITS/CMS 322
Italian Media and Popular Culture
This course will introduce students to contemporary Italian media and popular cultures. The course has a thematic approach and applies the analytical theories of critical cultural studies. Students will be exposed to development of various media forms as they have been shaped by and their impact on Italian culture and society. The press, film, radio, television, popular music, comics and graphic arts, sports and digital networks will be investigated from a variety of angles with particular attention on the media’s role in the construction of collective identities, the role of power and capital in shaping national identity, media use by social movements, the question of representation, popular protest and subcultural and subaltern expressions within the national space. Italy’s role within the global media economy will also be investigated.
ITS/CMS 322
Italian Media and Popular Culture
This course will introduce students to contemporary Italian media and popular cultures. The course has a thematic approach and applies the analytical theories of critical cultural studies. Students will be exposed to development of various media forms as they have been shaped by and their impact on Italian culture and society. The press, film, radio, television, popular music, comics and graphic arts, sports and digital networks will be investigated from a variety of angles with particular attention on the media’s role in the construction of collective identities, the role of power and capital in shaping national identity, media use by social movements, the question of representation, popular protest and subcultural and subaltern expressions within the national space. Italy’s role within the global media economy will also be investigated.
ITS/EN 295
Dante's Divine Comedy
(Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above *This class can substitute for one of the two EN LIT general distribution required courses. The other EN LIT course must have the EN prefix*)
The course is an introduction to a critical reading of Dante’s Divine Comedy in its historical, philosophical, religious, and poetic contexts. Readings of Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise seek to identify Dante’s stylistic and thematic contributions to the literary world as well as to understand their relationship with medieval politics, philosophy, and culture. This course is taught in English.
ITS/GDR 335
Twentieth Century Italian Women Writers
(Prerequisite: Placement or IT 302 or permission of the instructor)
This course will deal with the writings of Italian women writers (Aleramo, Deledda, Morante, Ginzburg, Banti, etc) of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Their contribution has been crucial in the shaping of a recognizable, but still not fully acknowledged, "tradition" of women writers in Italy. Through the particular perspectives of distinguished Italian women writers, the course will explore versions of “feminine writing” and will introduce gender- and genre-related issues. Class discussion and assignments will examine themes such as the construction of female identity and the role played by women’s writings in the context of social and political emancipation for women in Italy. All work will be in Italian.
ITS/GDR 335
Twentieth Century Italian Women Writers
(Prerequisite: Placement or IT 302 or permission of the instructor)
This course will deal with the writings of Italian women writers (Aleramo, Deledda, Morante, Ginzburg, Banti, etc) of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Their contribution has been crucial in the shaping of a recognizable, but still not fully acknowledged, "tradition" of women writers in Italy. Through the particular perspectives of distinguished Italian women writers, the course will explore versions of “feminine writing” and will introduce gender- and genre-related issues. Class discussion and assignments will examine themes such as the construction of female identity and the role played by women’s writings in the context of social and political emancipation for women in Italy. All work will be in Italian.
ITS/MUS 293
Italian Music: A Modern Cultural History
This course will introduce students to Italian music from a social and cultural perspective. The course has a twofold approach: the first part explores the historical developments from national unification to date; the second part has a thematic approach and highlights a few emergent topics within critical cultural studies, at the intersection between Italian and popular music studies. Starting from the assumption that music is able to unveil many aspects of the present society by representing them in unprecedented forms, the aim of the course is that of presenting another perspective on Italy, in order to enlarge its understanding. The central role played by music in contributing to shape national character is tested through a constant comparison with other musical cultures and connections with other media and art forms (cinema, television, radio).
SOSC/ITS 220
Italian Food Culture
Italy's deep-rooted network of local food knowledge is an excellent example for students to understand what food culture is, how food scenarios changed with industrialization, and how they are evolving further today. This course presents students with the basic tools necessary for better understanding Italian food culture. Its broad perspective encompasses traditional farming and processing techniques, the industrial and global food economy and changing consumption habits. Its anthropological approach draws from classical and modern writing. Italy is world-famous for its produce diversity and vibrant peasant traditions. By exploring the complex set of influences forming the Italian food culture, students will acquire an analytical approach enabling them to read through the other "foodscapes" that they encounter in their home country or abroad, and eventually choose, value and embrace career paths into the food sector. Even apparently simple, everyday food staples contain layers of significance connecting to the following topics: the peculiar man-nature relationship needed for their production; preserving and cooking techniques; the influences from foreign cooking philosophies and/or crops; the pressure of the global market; and the type of socialization involved during the meal.
SOSC/ITS 225
Sociology of Southern Italy
This course will examine the Italian Mezzogiorno starting with this paradox – the reality of a society often engaged in rapid social change but one where change itself often appears impossible. We will look at the modern history of the region briefly, moving on to major themes and questions concerning how the Italian South has developed since the Unification of Italy and especially in recent decades. Issues to be studied include underdevelopment, modernization, social capital and civic spirit or the lack of it, the argument that the South is characterized by “amoral community”, the whys and hows of the great emigration of the last century, the land reforms after World War II, the attempt to overcome the region’s underdevelopment with the Fund for the Mezzogiorno, the issue of clientelist and corrupt politics, organized crime including the Sicilian Mafia, the Neapolitan Camorra, and the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta, the anti-Mafia movement, the current crisis of waste removal in Naples and its causes, the changing role of women in Southern society and others.
SOSC/ITS 226
Rome: Modern City (On-site)
This on-site course, which will be conducted in English, aims to introduce students to a sociological analysis of contemporary Rome. It focuses on the changes which are occurring in the city’s populations, its neighborhoods and patterns of daily life and commerce, and challenges conventional images of what it is to be a Roman today. On-site classes will be held in a variety of neighborhoods in the city in order to analyze the area’s role as a social entity and its relationship with the wider urban context. We will examine the issues and problems facing Rome today, such as housing, degradation and renewal, environmental questions, transportation, multiculturalism, wealth and poverty, social conflict and political identities. These issues will be contextualized within theories of urban sociology and also within an explanation of Rome’s urban development over the centuries and, in particular, since it became the national capital in 1870. Through readings, film clips, interviews and guest speakers, students will also analyze the way the city is narrated by some of its residents.
SOSC/ITS 250
Contemporary Italian Society
This course introduces students to the complexities of contemporary Italian society, taking a primarily ‘bottom-up’ social science approach by examining a wide variety of contexts and exploring the ways in which Italians express, negotiate and transform their cultural and social identities. By drawing on a growing body of anthropological and sociological research, it provides students with the tools to question rigid and dated assumptions about Italian social life and enables them to analyze its multifaceted, dynamic and often contradictory forms and practices, focusing primarily on the last two decades. Students are first introduced to key theoretical and methodological approaches in the sociological and anthropological study of contemporary Italy. We then examine local identities in urban contexts, how families and gender roles are transforming, and the pressures produced by the current economic crisis, as well as exploring why increasing numbers of Italians are returning to rural livelihoods. Next, we discuss life in the Italian work-place and the effects that de-industrialization, technological development and precarious work contracts are having on professional and class identities. We analyze the rising appeal of populist and ‘anti-political’ discourses and figures and then focus on how Italy’s strong civic movements are struggling to improve social life ‘from below’. Among the issues tackled are ones traditionally relegated to the private domain, such as disabilities and sexual identities. Lastly, we examine how migration is changing social and cultural life as the country becomes increasingly multiethnic, how religious (and secular) identities are expressed, and the effects that Italy’s dramatic brain-drain is having within the country.
SOSC/ITS 299
Special Topics in Social Sciences and Italian Studies
SOSC/ITS 380
Researching Rome: Fieldwork in the City of Rome
(Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites but it is strongly recommended that students have a background in contemporary Italian studies or anthropology/sociology/urban studies.)
This course guides students interested in executing an independent fieldwork project in the city of Rome. As a unique global city, Rome’s contemporary social, economic and political realities provide a fascinating context for observing and analyzing the production of culture, social and political change, and practices of everyday life. This seminar-style course guides students through the four main phases of their independent research project, helping them to: a) select a manageable and realistic case-study for their research, b) identify and interpret relevant theoretical and empirical literature, c) choose the most appropriate techniques of fieldwork observation, data collection and recording, and apply them in a rigorous, ethical and reflexive manner in the city of Rome, d) create a sophisticated written and visual report of their research findings and conclusions. Students will present their final projects to the JCU community during the last week of the semester.
In addition to each student's independent project, the class visits a number of Roman neighborhoods to apply theories and observation techniques learned throughout the course.
