A detailed study of political, cultural and social developments in postwar Italy. The main areas of discussion will be: the Resistance - myth and reality; Neorealism; the economic boom of the late 50s and its demise; the introduction of TV and other developments in mass media and mass culture; the cultural avant-garde of the 60s; 1968 and its aftermath; internal migration and the effects of urbanisation; subversion and terrorism in the 70s; hedonism and mass culture in the 80s; and Italy in the 90s - problems and prospects. Use is made of different media: written and audiovisual materials including films and political songs.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to discuss topical issues, events and movements that have transformed a devastated postwar Italy into one of the main industrial powers in the world. Students will apply their reflective, analytical and argumentative skills to independently research; evaluate and offer their own conclusions on the different and often contrasting perspectives on Italy and Italians (post war and in this century), from within Italy and from abroad.

Two 1,500 word essays (70%) and one tutorial presentation linked to one essay 20%); preparation of, and contribution to tutorials and seminars (10%)

One hour lecture per week and one hour tutorial in Italian per week and 1 seminar per fortnight.

(a) For students taking the unit as part of the Italian major ITAL2006 Continuing 2 or equivalent (these students will read material in Italian and present written work in Italian)
(b) For students taking it as part of the Contemporary Europe major, EURO1001 Introduction to Contemporary Europe, or EURO1002 Foundations of Modern Europe and EURO1003 Contemporary European Society
(c) Otherwise, 12 first-year units in the Faculty of Arts.

ITAL3005 Cinema and Literature in Postwar Italy.

Ginsborg, P, A History of Contemporary Italy, 1943-1988, Penguin, 1990