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.

Were Italians always so fashionable? When and under what circumstances did Italy become known internationally as a fashion capital? What exactly does “Italian Style” consist of? In this course we will investigate the myth of Italian fashion and the “Italian look,” both of which are deeply entangled in the history and politics of the country. Touching on important moments in the establishment and construction of the modern Italian fashion industry such as fashion under fascism in the 1930s, the economic boom in the 1960s, and the advent of the “Made in Italy” label in the 1980s, the readings and films we will engage with will ask us to think about the relationships between style, conceptions of the body and labor, temporality, and national identity. We will also watch contemporary films to think about the way in which the Italian fashion brands currently harness and wield Italian history in designing their collections. This writing intensive course will prepare you to close read films as well as analyze and make evidence-based arguments about them in papers of various length throughout the term. You will also learn humanities research skills and apply them in a final research project. This course will be remote (taught over Zoom) and synchronous. You must be available during the hours of the class to receive credit (time conflicts are not allowed).

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading & Composition requirement or its equivalent. Students may not enroll in nor attend R1B/R5B courses without completing this prerequisite.

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills