IT 131
(GH;US)
Italian American Culture and Civilization (3) Italian-American experience from the late 19th century to present. Socio-political issues seen through cinema and through literary and other readings.
IT 131 Italian American Culture and Civilization (3)
(GH;US)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Between 1870 and 1920 over five million Italians immigrated to the United States. They were mainly men, and they came primarily to strike it rich. Of those who came, about one-third returned to Italy. Those who remained, often joined by their families, left an indelible mark on the American cultural, political, artistic, educational and social landscape. This course investigates the fascinating story of Italian immigration to the United States, a story that many students' great-grandparents and grandparents actually lived and bequeathed in memory via their personal stories. Our inquiry will be interdisciplinary. We will study historical texts, literature and film, which address the historical and sociological conditions of 19th Century Italy, the odyssey of immigration to and assimilation in the United States, and life in the ethnic neighborhood. We will also explore the Mafia, forms of prejudice, and ways Italians uniquely manifested their social values in labor unions, religion and education. Upon successfully completing this course, students will have a solid grasp of how Italians, in becoming Americans, contributed to the rich fabric of life in the United States.
Evaluation will be done through limited class participation, examinations, and quizzes. There will be eight multiple-choice exams with one essay question, and four quizzes based upon the novel readings. IT 131 will provide an Italian American equivalent to IT 130 (Italian Culture and Civilization). It should fulfill Humanities Breadth and Cultural Diversity requirements. The course will not count toward the minor or major in Italian because it is given in English; nonetheless, it will be complementary in so far as it will give our students a more rounded education concerning Italy and its legacy. IT 131 will be offered once a year with 50 seats per offering.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.