The course is designed to give students an insight into the key issues concerning the development of female self-awareness especially from the Nineteenth to the Twentieth century. The aim of the course is to provide students with an overview of the development of the feminist movement in Italy since the end of last century and the changes in the roles of women in modern Italian society. A detailed study of selected literary, critical and documentary/historical texts in Italian (or in translation), embedded in the social and historical context of the works, will offer alternative perceptions of Italian culture, femininity, and motherhood. The course also aims to consider the social construct of femininity and women's roles in Italy as seen by Italian women writers; finally, the course will include a reflection of the views of their male contemporaries and their societies.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will:

1. have the knowledge and skills to discuss issues central to the roles of women in Italian society especially in the Nineteenth and Twentieth century context;
2. critically analyse a variety of texts related to Italian feminism (historical, critical, literary, and visual);
3. apply this information to conduct independent research;
4. critically reflect and assess orally and in writing the outcomes of women's movements from a variety of perspectives;
5. express themselves appropriately and accurately orally and in writing

Two essays - in Italian for students taking the unit as part of an Italian major - or English for all other students - 3,000 words total (70%) and one tutorial presentation paper to be written up as one of the essays after teacher and students' feedback (20%), preparation for tutorials and active contribution to discussion (10%).

Students taking the course as part of an Italian major will be required to read and discuss material in Italian, and also present all their written work in Italian.

13 hours of lectures in English; 13 hours of tutorials in Italian and/or English; 13 hours of tutorials in Italian; 6 hours of seminars in English or Italian. Minimum enrolment of 6 students

(a) For students taking the course as part of an Italian major: ITAL2006 Continuing 2 or equivalent language competence
(b) For students taking the course as part of the Contemporary Europe major: EURO1002 and EURO1003
(c) For students with no knowledge of Italian - completion of first-year Arts courses to the value of 12 units

Reading brick prepared by coordinator and selected additional texts