Unit information: Anni di Piombo in 2008/09

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Unit name Anni di Piombo
Unit code ITAL30043
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Professor. Glynn
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Italian
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This course examines the historical concerns underlying Italy's experience of terrorism during the 'anni di piombo' it investigates the social and political motivations of terrorist groups to both the right and the left of the political spectrum, and considers the relevance of that experience to Italy today. Initially, the course centres on innovative cultural products (media, narrative and drama) articulating the changed social and political realities of the decade and voicing the concerns of those previously denied access to the machinery of power. In the second part of the course, the focus shifts to cultural products looking back on the anni di piombo from a more recent perspective, and exploring the impact of those years on diverse areas of Italian cultural and social life. New theoretical perspectives are introduced to provide students with an appropriate framework for a critique of cultural products rooted in highly contentious political and social realities.

Aims:

  • To introduce students to a significant body of knowledge of a complexity appropriate to final year level. The content matter will normally include one or more of the following: literature; social, cultural or political history; linguistics; cultural studies; film, television or other media.
  • To facilitate students engagement with a body of literature, including secondary literature, texts, including in non-print media, primary sources and ideas as a basis for their own analysis and development. Normally many or most of these sources will be in a language other than English and will enhance the development of their linguistic skills.
  • To develop further skills of synthesis, analysis and independent research, building on the skills acquired in units at level I.
  • To equip students with the skills to undertake postgraduate study in a relevant field.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful students will:

  • be knowledgable about a significant cultural, historical or linguistic subject related to the language they are studying;
  • will have advanced skills in the selection and synthesis of relevant material;
  • be able to evaluate and analyse relevant material from a significant body of source materials, usually in a foreign language, at an advanced level;
  • be able to respond to questions or problems by presenting their independent judgements in an appropriate style and at an advanced level of complexity;
  • be able to transfer these skills to other working environments, including postgraduate study.

Teaching Information

2 x 1hr slots weekly.

Assessment Information

One oral presentation (25%), plus one written assignment of 1500 words (25%) plus one written assignment of 3000 words (50%).

Reading and References

Set Texts (for purchase):

  • D. Fo, Morte accidentale di un anarchico (1970)
  • N. Ginzburg, Caro Michele (1973)
  • G. Bianconi (ed.), Mi dichiaro prigioniero politico (2003)

Set Films (available in university library):

  • G. Amelio, Colpire al cuore (1982)
  • M. Calopresti, La seconda volta (1995)
  • M. Bellocchio, Buongiorno, notte (2003)