Existentialism: that twentieth-century intellectual and artistic mode that many associate with ennui-filled French philosophers in black turtlenecks, or with disaffected German salesmen waking up as giant bugs. Existentialism marks the shift from modern to postmodern in Europe, the Anglo-American world, and elsewhere, the first wave of disorientation as previous forms of life (religious beliefs, philosophical frameworks, political ideals) were suddenly experienced as vacuous in the wake of two devastating world wars. Many might be unaware of the forms of existentialism that arose in Italy: overshadowed by the likes of Kafka, Sartre, and Camus, Italian authors and filmmakers nonetheless brought their own fascinating take on the existential crisis. In this class we will read books by authors like Pirandello, Svevo, Moravia, and Vittorini, and look at films by directors such as De Sica and Antonioni. We will investigate what existentialism means in general, and what special aspects are found in its Italian manifestations. At every turn, the course will stress the techniques of academic writing: how to structure an essay, revise a draft, and edit paragraphs and sentences.

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.