Details
Code 22701
Level of study Third/Final year
Credit value 20
Semester 1 and 2
Pre-requisite modules Students must be studying the Italian language
Module description
This module explores the formation, representation and elaboration of identity in twentieth-century and contemporary Italy. The module focuses on four main topics: the family; gender and feminism; sexualities; ethnicities and immigration. The concept of 'family' constitutes a fundamental, formative element of Italian socio-cultural identity; an element that is largely defined by the state, the Catholic Church and dominant social norms. Drawing on relevant critical publications and locating cultural texts in their social, historical and political context, this module requires students to analyse representations of the Italian family, exploring both normative hegemonic and oppositional models of gender at key moments during the twentieth century, identifying when and how traditional models are subverted or unravelled. The module then moves on to consider: Italian feminist thought as it has developed from the 1970s to the present day; attitudes towards and discourses of sexuality in Italian culture, with a special focus on dissident sexualities; attitudes towards and the (self) representation of ethnic minorities in Italy since the significant increase in immigration in the 1990s.
Teaching and learning methods
Delivered in English and Italian via 2 hour seminars.
Assessment for the 20 credit module consists of 1 x 3500 word essay (40%, deadline in February ); a 15 minute group presentation followed by 10-15 minutes for questions (30%, made in May); a 1500 word written summary of the presentation (per group, deadline the date of the presentations in May) (15%); contributions to web forum (5%, at least one contribution per teaching week); and one 500-800 word reflective commentary (10%, submitted in May).
Assessment for students taking the module for one semester (10 credits) only, consists of: 1 x 3500 word essay (90%, deadline in January ); contributions to web forum (10%)