The stories told in the films and novels to be studied in this course were represent the work of two generations of Italian artists typically associated in literary history with what has been called the mito americano, or American myth. Defining and contextualizing this myth will be among our first objectives. In what ways has the New World positively impacted Old World culture and, conversely, what are some of the negative perceptions of America (or apocalyptic anxieties) represented by Italian writers and filmmakers? Authors to be studied will include Eugenio Montale, Italo Calvino, Elio Vittorini, Cesare Pavese, and Carlo Levi. Among the chief learning goals in this course is to provide students with the opportunity to consider some of the common metaphorical and allegorical terms in which America has been positively and negatively mythified through the lens of Italian film, poetry, and fiction. Parallel to questions of national myths, the course also reflects on how and where Italian writers and filmmakers position themselves at the intersection of political ideology and creative engagement, personal identity construction and questions of social justice.
- Teacher: Fabio Ferrari