This interdisciplinary course is designed as a broad-based introduction to the culture and history of the Italian peninsula, from the Middle Ages to the present day.  Enhanced by visits from distinguished scholars of the Department of Italian Studies and other campus units, it deals with major works of literature, political science, the visual arts, music, and cinema–invoking names such as Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Verdi, and Fellini–while setting Italy’s variegated culture in its social and historical context, from the medieval and Renaissance city-state through the arduous process of building the Italian nation to the contemporary Italy of mass media, social conflict, and political upheaval.

 Texts: Assigned readings will be posted on bCourses; the content of lectures will also count as part of the course ‘text’.

Prerequisites:  None. Course and readings are in English.