Three hours of lectures, readings, and discussion per week on major authors, themes, and movements in Italian literature.

An experience of acoustic immersion into historical and contemporary aural spaces, this course explores Italian culture through sound, including music. The course is organized as a series of case studies, among which: religious festivals; movie scenes (may include films by Federico Fellini, Giuseppe Tornatore, Emanuele Crialese) and TV ads; healing rituals; sound in public spaces (music festivals, sport events, etc.); soundscapes of Renaissance Italy; the use of radio for political propaganda; the use of music in migrant contexts. We will see and listen to how some sonic practices have favored processes of settlement, experiences of mobility, power relations, and the emergence of both national and transnational identities. Embracing the possibilities offered by the theoretical framework of sound studies, as well as by an ecological and sensory approach to sound environments, we will explore the ways in which various communities, artists, activists, individuals, both in the peninsula and abroad, have enacted cultural practices whose sonorous aspects have contributed to shape Italy’s many sonorous identities. Grading Breakdown: Attendance and participation, including short (300 words) weekly written response to the week’s readings – 30% Exams 50% - Written, in class exam Final Project 20% - A short (2-3 minutes) soundscape composition (the instructor will guide you through the process of audio editing);

Prerequisites: None
Taught in English with readings in English

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Requirements class fulfills