Professor:Antonella Valoroso - Ph.D.
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This is most recent syllabus. Your final syllabus will be given during your first day of class
Note: This course was formerly SOIT 360.
Course Description
This course will provide you with an in-depth overview and analysis of the events which, in approximately the last 140 years, have shaped Italy and the lives of Italians. Information and analysis will be provided on such topics as regionalism, language, social and political cultures, the Church, feminism, resistance, organized crime, literature, cinema, the mass media, music, and the impact global trends have had on Italian culture. In addition, American stereotypes of Italy and Italians will be addressed. You will be encouraged to participate actively in classroom discussions.
Upon completion of this course, you will have acquired a sufficient appreciation of modern Italian culture and an analytical framework suitable to addressing and understanding complex cultural issues in Italy with a certain depth and sophistication.
Course Objectives
In this course, you will:
- acquire a sufficient appreciation of modern Italian culture; and
- gain an analytical framework suitable to addressing and understanding complex cultural issues in Italy with a certain depth and sophistication.
Service Learning Project Description
You will have the opportunity to apply for La Famiglia Italiana Project where a selected few students are assigned to an Italian host family in Perugia. Each week, you will meet with the family for a culture and language exchange structured around course themes to gain a deeper understanding of Italian customs and practices. At the end of the semester, you will present your project to the Umbra community.
Course Materials
Mandatory course reader
Field Trips
You will take a trip to Siena and receive a rare, private tour of one of the historic contrade, or neighborhoods, which participate in the famous Palio horse race.