Unlike other European literatures, contemporary Italian literature lacks a major work of fiction representing the nation’s cultural identity. Rather, Italian literature boasts the small book, brief unclassifiable narratives that express the variety and complexity of Italian culture. Realistic novels or philosophical short stories, memoirs or literary essays, these works are a fine balance between a number of literary genres and, as such, are a good entranceway into the multifaceted and contradictory identity of Italy as a nation. The course will combine a survey of contemporary Italian literature with a theoretical analysis of how Italian identity has been represented in works by Calvino, Bassani, Ginzburg, and others. The course will be taught in English.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: None

Instructor: Parussa

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: