2021 Spring ITALIAN R5B 003 LEC 003

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

This course will investigate Italy's post-World War II modernization and the production of the fantasy of high fashion, sophisticated furniture design, Vespa scooters, i.e. the glamorized image of Italy through film and literature. In the wake of the destruction wrought by WWII, Italy underwent a period of reconstruction in the late 1940s, and with the help of American aid eventually experienced an economic boom in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This period also bears witness to a particularly turbulent moment in Italian socialism and communism. The possibility of a socialist future appeared imminent to some and impossible to others. Through the lens of films by Antonioni, Pasolini, Wertmüller and others, we will encounter political, economic, and social structures that subtend and co-constitute the reinvention of Italy’s international reputation as a modernized capitalist state known for its glamorous and luxurious lifestyle. This is a writing-intensive course. Students should be prepared to write and revise their writing through many writing assignments over the course of the semester. In addition to exploring and improving writing skills, students will develop humanities research skills such as close reading and critical thinking in encountering audiovisual and written texts. Class will be carried out through two synchronous and one asynchronous lesson per week.

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 completin.. 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

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.