Course Description:

Italian Cinema will examine how organized crime influences Italian Culture (history, language, politics, religion, and society) through the cinematic lens. Our study will begin with the 1860s, the Unification of Italy, and will continue to contemporary Italy. By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize, define, and analyze artistic movements in Italian cinema. Students will examine how the films relate to Italian Culture and will be able to draw comparisons between the works of international film directors and other gangster films.  Students will be expected to present on cultural themes revolving around the Organized Crime in Italy involving films studied during the course.  Particular attention will be given to gendered themes.