Reading and composition course based on works by Italians and foreigners about Italy and its culture and by Italians about their distinctive experiences of other cultures as tourists and emigrants. Works studied will be primarily chosen from among fiction and non fiction narratives, both originally in English and translated into it. R5A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition Requirement and R5B satisfies the second half.

It is difficult to disassociate Italy from its artistic heritage and legacy as a center for artistic genius. From ancient Roman sculpture to the paintings of the old masters and old mistresses of the Renaissance, to the highly elaborate details of the Baroque, landing in an abstract world of early twentieth century of Fascist art, Italy’s global artistic presence has never waned. Given the magnitude at which art abounds in the Italian context, it is not surprising that visual culture in general, and “god-like” figures in particular, garnered much attention throughout the literary tradition. In this course, we will call into question the ways in which Italian artists are immortalized and depicted across historical, literary, and visual media. Focusing various genres and types of accounts of these artists, this course will strive to answer questions such as: how are artists portrayed? What do the artists think of themselves versus how others perceive them? Can we believe the myth behind some of these legendary figures? How does the representation of the artists address larger questions about the social, political, economic, or religious history of his/her time? What does it mean to be a female artist painting in a man’s world? Readings to be announced but may include works by Giovanni Boccaccio, Francesco Petrarca, Giorgio Vasari, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Benvenuto Cellini Anna Banti, F.T. Marinetti, and Pier Paolo Pasolini, among others.

Requisites

• Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing Requirement.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills