What does it mean to be Italian in 2020? How do young adults, the aging, members of the LGBTQ community, second-generation Italians and immigrants negotiate and construct their identities in Italy today? More specifically, what are the personal histories of these individuals and groups in a nation where ideologies of an imagined homogeneity persist, yet day-to-day, lived experiences shore up visions of a “modern,” multifaceted Italy?
Building on these questions, this course will examine the increasing presence, participation, and visibility of traditionally marginalized persons in Italy. Following a historical introduction that gives context to the Unification and subsequent nation-building projects in Italy, the course draws on an archive of interdisciplinary texts of multiple mediums (visual, auditory, etc.) to illustrate conventions, trends, and exceptions of be(com)ing Italian in 2020.
technology
requirements
1. You will need to have access to a computer with headphones, a microphone, a webcam, and high speed internet
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2. You will use Webex and other video conferencing platforms for virtual class sessions, office hours, and to communicate with your instructor and classmates
3. You will have to know how to turn the video camera and microphone of your computer on in Webex and other video conferencing platforms, how to navigate Blackboard, how to operate VLC, & how to record and upload short videos with your smartphone/ laptop
​4. For tech support regarding use of Blackboard contact: blackboard@newpaltz / 845. 257. 4357
method
Since the course will be held entirely online, it requires students to work independently and follow a very structured procedure. You will be involved in a variety of online tasks, such as reading articles and film reviews, screening media, posting writing assignments, and recording short video responses.
Twice a week during our virtual classroom sessions, you will meet with your instructor and classmates on Webex and other video conferencing platforms.