SOC 370: History, Politics, and Diversity in Italian Society

Note: This course is cross-listed with HIST 370 and PSCI 370.

Course Description

This course will provide students with an in-depth overview and analysis of the events which, in approximately the last 160 years, have shaped Italy and the lives of Italians. Information and analysis will be provided on such topics as history, social and political cultures, gender issues, regionalism, migration, language, the Church, feminism, resistance, organized crime, cinema, the mass media, music, and the impact global trends have on Italian culture and society. In addition, American stereotypes of Italy and Italians will be addressed. Students will be encouraged to participate actively in classroom discussions.

 

Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired a sufficient appreciation of modern Italian history, politics, culture and society and an analytical framework suitable to addressing and understanding complex 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.