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Academic Year 2004/2005

Italian Cinema, Italian Society
FIST 245 SP
Crosslistings:
ITAL 245

This introductory course, taught in English, investigates major silent and sound films and contextualizes them, their production, and the subjects they treat within a historical, cultural and political framework. We will trace the intersection among politics, ideology and Italian cinema, from its Golden Age of silents through Fascism, Neorealism and beyond. Featured filmmakers include Pastrone, Rossellini, De Sica, Fellini, Bertolucci, Antonioni, Wertmuller, Cavani, Pasolini, Salvatores, and others. Additional material includes readings in film theory and criticism, Italian history, literary sources, screenplays, and interivews.

MAJOR READINGS

Required texts: Louis Giannetti, UNDERSTANDING MOVIES Paul Ginsborg, HISTORY OF ITALY 1943-88 COURSE READER Films include: Pastrone, CABIRIA GRANDI MAGAZZINI De Sica, BICYCLE THIEF Rossellini, PAISA; ROME, OPEN CITY Bertolucci, BEFORE THE REVOLUTION; LAST TANGO IN PARIS; THE CONFORMIST Antonioni, L'AVVENTURE; BLOW-UP Wertmuller, SWEPT AWAY; SEVEN BEAUTIES Visconti, THE LEOPARD; ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS Fellini, AMARCORD; LA DOLCE VITA; 8 1/2 Germi, DIVORCE, ITALIAN STYLE Pasolini, ACCATTONE Scola, A SPECIAL DAY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students will write weekly film journals, two papers during the course of the semester and one final paper. A final examination is anticipated.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

STUDENTS WHO HAVE TAKEN ANY LEVEL ITALIAN COURSE WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE.

Please note that the Monday night 6:00-9:00 class time will be used for screenings. Only two or three films will last the duration of three hours, but students should keep the full three hours cleared in their schedule. There will be no other screening opportunity.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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