R5A, Section 1: Reading and Composition: Mamma Mia! Stories of Parenthood between Tradition and Subversion

MWF 8-9 | Instructor: Rossella Carbotti

Units: 4

Mamma Mia! Stories of Parenthood between Tradition and Subversion

From Greek tragedy to contemporary novels and films, mothers and fathers have always played a central role in the fictional world. Often portrayed as bearers of traditional values, these archetypal figures acquire at times more complex dimensions in works that explore the depths of family relationships. In this course, we will take a close look at the institution of the family: What is a mother? What is a father? How do their roles differ – if they do – in shaping a child’s life? In what ways have these figures evolved throughout history?

We will use Italian culture as a point of departure for broader conversations around the question of family. Typically associated with clichés of overprotective mamme and benevolent, yet stern fathers, Italian culture displays a wealth of stories that complicate or even subvert such assumptions. Such stories will lead us to explore other multi-faceted representations of parenthood across time and space, from Euripides to American graphic novels.

 

The major goal of this course is to develop critical reading and writing skills for a broad range of analytical writing, with fictional texts serving as stimulating material for our practical goals. Through workshops, revisions, and collaborative work we’ll improve our ability to read a text, understand the writing process, and create interesting arguments. In addition to fictional works, we’ll read critical essays both as writing models and to engage our readings with their ideas. Attendance and engaged participation are therefore key to successful completion of this course.

 

Prerequisites

Successful completion of the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement.

Students may not enroll in nor attend R1A/R5A courses without completing this prerequisite.

No prior knowledge of Italian is required, and students from all majors are welcome.

 

Texts

Full texts:

 

Elsa Morante, Arturo’s Island

Alison Bechdel, Fun Home

Sibilla Aleramo, A Woman

Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter

 

We will also read a number of short stories, plays, chapters from novels, ranging from Sophocles to Euripides, from Edmondo De Amicis to Eduardo De Filippo, from Gavino Ledda to Italo Calvino, from Toni Morrison to Adrienne Rich.

 

Films

Vittorio De Sica, Bicycle Thief

Pier Paolo Pasolini, Mamma Roma

Roberto Benigni, Life Is Beautiful

Nanni Moretti, selections from Dear Diary