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.
short video 1​
Instructions
For our midterm review, you will create and present either a meme or a 30-60 second TikTok on a film screened in class. Your meme / TikTok must capture themes discussed in class (masculinity, virility, male crises, etc.). You may choose the film/ film protagonist you would like to present on within your group. However, you may not present on the same film/ film protagonist of your scene analysis. If you decide to use TikTok, you will either need to make your video public or download a copy of your video that can be submitted on Blackboard.
In addition to creating a meme/ TikTok you must submit a 200-250 word explanation of your meme/ TikTok. Be sure to reference class readings and discussions and use two film terms in your explanation. You’ll share your meme/ TikTok in class and submit it on Blackboard.
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Memes provide rhetors on the Internet with a visually engaging device for generating discussion.
Grading criteria
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25% Following directions
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respects time limit/ assignment length, submits materials on time, participates in midterm review
60% Insights
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meme/ TikTok is connected to historical/ film context studied in class
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includes explanatory paragraph that references class readings/discussions
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uses at least 2 film terms in explanatory paragraph
15% Engagement + Creativity
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facilitates peer-peer discussion
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Technology
You may use technology/resources you are familiar with; however, I would encourage you to use Canva for memes (https://www.canva.com/). Canva is a free graphic design platform that provides templates and uses a simple drag and drop interface.
Films
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Una giornata particolare / A Special Day (Ettore Scola, 1977)
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Il conformista / The Conformist (Bernardo Bertolucci, 1970)
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Ladri di biciclette / Bicycle Thieves (Vittorio De Sica, 1948)
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Ieri, oggi, domani / Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Vittorio De Sica, 1963)
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I cento passi / One Hundred Steps (Marco Tullio Giordana, 2000)
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Otto e mezzo / 8 ½ (Federico Fellini, 1963)
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