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.
Course
Description
What does it mean to be Italian in 2020? How do young adults, the aging, members of the LGBTQ community, migrants, and second-generation Italians 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, ITAL 295 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.
method of Instruction & Study
“Viewing Italy in 20/20” is a discussion-based seminar divided into three main parts: 1) Queer Identities and Communities, 2) Aging and Youth Identities, and 3) Migrants and Second-generation Italians. You will sharpen critical thinking skills and develop a deeper understanding of contemporary Italy through preparation and active participation in a variety of unconventional assignments and differentiated assessments (e.g. blog entries, case studies, interviews, an unessay (midterm), and a creative project (final). The language of instruction is English. However, students proficient in Italian are strongly encouraged to submit writing assignments in Italian (especially blog entries). There will be no penalties for grammatical errors!
***You are required to attend a mandatory class trip on the evening of Wednesday, 4 March. We will attend a reading, lecture, and Q&A by Roberto Saviano at Dickinson College. Our class will also attend a film screening at Campus Theatre as part of the BU Film Series on Tuesday, April 7th at 7pm.
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