2025 Fall
ITALIAN R5B 001 - LEC 001
Reading and Composition
That's Amore?
Rachel K Cook
Class #:21731
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Italian Studies
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
0
Enrolled: 17
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 17
Waitlist Max: 3
No Reserved Seats
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, and 9 hours of outside work hours per week.
Other classes by Rachel K Cook
Course Catalog Description
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.
Class Description
Italy is home to some of the most iconic love stories from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s whirlwind affair in Roman Holiday. But what happens when love doesn’t conquer all? This course explores Italian love stories gone wrong, taking a closer look at the historical, social, and political forces in the land of “amore” that don’t always favor love. Through works by Amara Lakhous, Giorgio Bassani, Italo Calvino, Giovanni Arpino, and others, we’ll explore how questions of gender, race, citizenship, religion, and sexuality can complicate—and even thwart—tales of romance.
This course approaches writing as a tool for understanding texts and clarifying ideas. Over the course of this semester, we’ll develop our skills as both readers and writers through literary analysis, persuasive academic essays, and responsible research. By the end of the semester, we’ll also expand our skills as critical thinkers by taking an un-romanticized look at Italian romance.
Primary texts/films (subject to change):
The Gold-Rimmed Spectacles by Giorgio Bassani
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis dir. by Vittorio De Sica
Divorce Islamic Style by Amara Lakhous
This course approaches writing as a tool for understanding texts and clarifying ideas. Over the course of this semester, we’ll develop our skills as both readers and writers through literary analysis, persuasive academic essays, and responsible research. By the end of the semester, we’ll also expand our skills as critical thinkers by taking an un-romanticized look at Italian romance.
Primary texts/films (subject to change):
The Gold-Rimmed Spectacles by Giorgio Bassani
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis dir. by Vittorio De Sica
Divorce Islamic Style by Amara Lakhous
Class Notes
This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement.
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 th... show more
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 th... show more
This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement.
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.
Due to the high demand for R&C courses we monitor attendance very carefully. Attendance is mandatory the first two weeks of classes, this includes all enrolled and wait listed students. If you do not attend all classes the first two weeks you may be dropped. If you are attempting to add into this class during weeks 1 and 2 and did not attend the first day, you will be expected to attend all class meetings thereafter and, if space permits, you may be enrolled from the wait list. show less
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.
Due to the high demand for R&C courses we monitor attendance very carefully. Attendance is mandatory the first two weeks of classes, this includes all enrolled and wait listed students. If you do not attend all classes the first two weeks you may be dropped. If you are attempting to add into this class during weeks 1 and 2 and did not attend the first day, you will be expected to attend all class meetings thereafter and, if space permits, you may be enrolled from the wait list. show less
Rules & Requirements
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
Meets the Reading and Composition B requirement
Second half of the Reading and Composition Requirement
Reserved Seats
Current Enrollment
No Reserved Seats
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None