Our course is interested in the rudimentary question: how do we relate to one another? Among many answers, family is prominent. In this class, we read literature and film drawn from contemporary Italian and U.S. American cultural production for representations and complications of family and family structure. Informed by intersectional feminist scholarship, we read representations of family across differences of gender, race, class, and citizenship. Students participate as active learners and pursue research agendas of their choosing, informed by our close readings of fiction and film. 

Readings selected from: Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Natalia Ginzburg’s The Dry Heart, Nanni Balestrini’s Sandokan, Michela Murgia’s Accabadora, Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend. Films may include: Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Mamma Roma, Michelangelo Antonioni’s Red Desert, Ettore Scola’s Ugly, Dirty and Bad, Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love, Emmanuele Crialese’s Terraferma, Barry Jenkin’s If Beale Street Could Talk.  In addition, we will read selections from relevant critical and theoretical texts. 

This writing-intensive course fulfills the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement. We will hone our skills in close reading, critical thinking and research, peer review, and clear, effective writing to craft compelling literary essays. Assignments will include weekly writing exercises, several papers of varying length, and one more substantial research paper. All readings are in English and students from all majors are welcome.

Prerequisite: R&C-A or equivalent.

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.