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.

What form(s) does resistance take? How does protest function across its different iterations, from public performance to documentary and written narrative? This course explores resistance as enacted in cultural texts (novels, poetry, film, multimedia works etc.), taking as subject the Italian cultural landscape from the post-war period to the present day, with a particular focus on activism engaged in refuting fascist and colonial violence. While primary texts will be limited to the Italian tradition—including works by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Alda Merini, Amara Lakhous, and Igiaba Scego—this course will also delve into a variety of theoretical frameworks engaging with questions of representation and resistance, from Edward Said’s postcolonial realm to Sara Ahmed’s theorization of complaint. Through these pairings of theory and text, students will examine how both creative and intellectual expression function to protest institutionalized prejudice, or more broadly, how the representation of systems of power might enable their revisioning, recitation, and/or dismantling. This course is designed to fulfill the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement. As a writing-intensive course, our goal will be to strengthen our close reading and critical writing skills, including the evaluation of secondary sources and criticism. Assignments will include personal reflections, short discussion posts, creative pieces, and peer review exercises, culminating in the production of a research paper. This course is taught in English. No prior knowledge of Italian is required, and students from all majors are welcome.

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