B8643 - Italian Culture Lab.(1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of key aspects of Italy's cultural heritage, as well as a deeper appreciation of the complexities of its history and society. They will be equipped to independently develop advanced knowledge and specialized skills, applying these to the analysis of cultural and institutional phenomena that define Italian culture and society.

Course contents

This course offers an overview of key moments in 20th-century Italian history, aiming to develop both linguistic and intercultural skills through the analysis of texts, guided activities, and group discussions. Topics covered include war, dictatorship, post-war reconstruction, and the profound cultural and social changes of the second half of the century.

Special attention will be given to comparing Italian historical processes with those experienced in the students’ countries of origin, fostering a broader and shared understanding of the complex dynamics of the 20th century.

The course is divided into five thematic modules, each focusing on a significant historical moment:

1. World War I, exploring how war vocabulary and narrative structures reflect the experience of conflict.
2. Fascism and political language, analyzing the rhetoric and discourse of the regime.
3. World War II and the Resistance, with a focus on the vocabulary of freedom and clandestinity.
4. The birth of the Republic, examining institutional language.
5. The 1968 movements and the feminist revolution, exploring the language of protest and civil rights.

Classes will be conducted in Italian and will include interactive activities, language exercises, written production, and intercultural exchange. Audiovisual materials will be used to stimulate reflection and enrich the historical and linguistic context.

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students:

Mandatory:

• Paolo E. Balboni, Storia italiana per stranieri, Edilingua, 2021, pp. 106–135

Optional:

• Christopher Duggan, The Force of Destiny: A History of Italy since 1796, Allen Lane, 2007, pp. 390–588

Students must independently watch at least two films from the list provided, choosing titles that align with the historical themes discussed in class. These films will support historical and linguistic reflection and may be discussed during the final exam.

Film options:

• La grande guerra (Mario Monicelli, 1959) or Uomini contro (Francesco Rosi, 1970)
• Una giornata particolare (Ettore Scola, 1977) or Italiani brava gente (Giuseppe De Santis, 1964)
• Roma città aperta (Roberto Rossellini, 1945) or La notte di San Lorenzo (Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, 1982)
• Il sorpasso (Dino Risi, 1962) or La dolce vita (Federico Fellini, 1960)
• Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto (Elio Petri, 1970) or Vogliamo anche le rose (Alina Marazzi, 2007)

For non-attending students:

Mandatory:

• Paolo E. Balboni, Storia italiana per stranieri, Bonacci, pp. 106–135
• Christopher Duggan, The Force of Destiny: A History of Italy since 1796, Allen Lane / Penguin, pp. 390–588

Non-attending students must watch at least three films from the list above.

Teaching methods

Lectures with active participation required for attending students.

Assessment methods

Students are considered attending if they participate in at least 75% of the classes (i.e., 12 lessons).

The final exam will be an oral presentation in Italian, where students will present a relevant topic from 20th-century Italian cultural history, chosen from those covered in the course. The presentation may be supported by a concept map or other visual aids.

Films selected and analyzed during the course will serve as a basis for linguistic, cultural, and historical insights. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the historical context, the language used, and comparisons with experiences from their own countries.

Grading (out of 30) will be based on:

• Clarity and organization of the presentation
• Accuracy and relevance of historical and cultural content
• Critical thinking and reflection on the topics
• Appropriate use of specific vocabulary and linguistic structures learned

Teaching tools

All PowerPoint presentations and other course materials for attending students will be made available in the “Teaching Materials” (“Materiali Didattici”) section of the course’s virtual platform. Access is restricted to University of Bologna students. Please note that the slides are not part of the exam syllabus; they are intended solely as educational support throughout the course.

The course structure and assessment criteria will be fully explained during the first class.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are kindly asked to contact the dedicated support office as early as possible: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the professor at least 15 days before the exam date. The professor will evaluate the proposed adjustments based on the course’s learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Schiavulli