This course aims to develop advanced oral and aural Italian language skills through discussion, debate, performance, and role-play about the arts in Italy, including cinema, theater, the figurative arts, and music. The thematic content of this course changes every semester.

Taught in Italian. Required of majors and minors. If you love Italian cinema or know nothing about it and would like to learn about contemporary Italian society through film, this course is for you. Whereas in the Spring semester we focused on films by renowned Italian film directors who made cinematic history between the early forties and late seventies (i.e. Fellini, Rossellini, De Sica, Visconti, Antonioni, Scola, Bertolucci), in the Fall cinema course we will watch and analyze films by a new generation of post-modernist film makers who have contributed to the renewal of Italian cinema from the Nineties to present (i.e. Ferzan Özpetek, Paolo Virzi, Paolo Sorrentino, Gianni Amelio, Marco Bellocchio, Nanni Moretti, Matteo Garrone, Luca Guadagnino, Emanuele Crialese, Paolo Genovese, Marco Tullio Giordana, Alice Rohrwacher, Paola Cortellese) discussing the ways in which Italian cinema reflects the evolution of modern Italy in terms of the social, political, economic and cultural developments which characterize 21st century Italian life. Film is a fantastic way to analyze the culture and language of a society and its development through history. Image and language, when combined on the big screen, provide a powerful tool in conveying multiple meanings and interpretations and to offer us the viewers/spectators a window into the soul and essence of a culture in motion, its values and identities. We will delve into the study of visual representation (the use of visual elements to convey ideas, emotions, and narratives), narrative devices (how a story is told), cinematography and style. We will engage with different genres (drama, comedy, historical) and a range of topics from current issues including migration, organized crime, relationships, family, sexuality, gender ideologies, inclusion/exclusion, politics. Films are shown in Italian with English subtitles. Screenings will be accompanied by selected readings given by the instructor. If you are particularly interested in a cinematic movement or a specific director or topic, the syllabus can be modified to accommodate your interests. By actively listening to dialogues in films and learning about linguistic variations, you will also refine your listening skills in Italian and strengthen your conversational abilities in expressing your opinions on a range of subjects related to movies. The course is highly interactive, it’s discussion intensive, and includes a creative and collaborative component. Over the course of the semester, you will not only learn to critically analyze films and learn about cultural aspects of Italian contemporary society, but you will also explore your creative and reflective side by attempting to write your own script (just a scene or two!), assuming the role of screenwriter/director/performer. Regular attendance to lectures/discussions and screenings required. Informed and engaged class participation a must. Short response papers and oral presentations throughout the semester.

Taught in Italian. Required of majors.

Prerequisite: Italian 4 or placement exam.
https://italian.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/language-placement

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Requirements class fulfills