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Academic Year 2003/2004

Mother, Madonna, Whore, Muse: Women in Italian Society
FIST 248 SP

The broad title of this course includes varied representations of women in Italian literature, art, and film. Emphasis will be on Italian women writers often left out of syllabi adhering to traditional canons. Included are writers who have found their voices (through writing) as a means of psychological survival in a patriarchal world (A WOMAN); women who have dedicated their art to unearthing the lives of other women artists of the past (ARTEMISIA) and in history (HISTORY); women engaged in the women's movement of the 70's (WOMAN AT WAR) and who continue to look at, and rewrite, women's stories of empowerment and solidarity; and women who present the deep side of depression (DRY HEART). We will also view some Italian films that directly relate to some of the readings. Our approach thus will be historical, sociological and psychoanalytic, as we look at various critical issues, such as the construction of gender, the relationship of writing to identity and subjectivity, maternal discourse, and the continuity between women (mothers, daughters, and grandmothers). Students will explore the roles of women in Italian culture (family, politics, and women's rights) and how these roles have changed over the past 100 years.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA FIST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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