Social, political and cultural changes in Italy since the 1950?s have shaped the multi-faceted Italy of today. In a global landscape dominated by tendencies towards cultural sameness, the course aims to identify what constitutes Italian cultural specificity, "Italian flair" emerging as a prominent element of Italian culture, lifestyle and identity.

Italian attitudes expressed in contemporary texts, are analysed within a historical-comparative framework, contrasting Post-War with present-day Italy in relation to Europe and the World.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to discuss topical issues, events, places and ideas and major characteristics of what constitutes Italian flair. Students will apply their knowledge of observation of behaviors, attitudes and Italian lifestyle patterns to discover if there is indeed an Italian identity, set it against critical stereotypes of Italy in Europe and elsewhere and conclude argumentatively what is unique about Italy and Italians.

1,500 word essay (30%), oral presentation (30%), independent project (40%).

ITAL2007 or with the permission of the coordinator

Forgacs, D. & Lumley, R. (Eds.), (1996). Italian cultural studies: An introduction. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press.

Procacci, G. (1998). Storia degli italiani / Giulano Procacci. Bari : Laterza.

Ruggiero, R. (1994). Paese Italia: Venti secoli di identita'. Roma: Donzelli, 1994.

All assessment is conducted in Italian for students undertaking the course as part of the Italian major. Students undertaking the course as part of the Contemporary Europe major can complete their assessment in English.