Introduction to Italian Studies

Module code: IT1028

This introductory module explores the history and culture of Italy from the Unification to the Second World War. We will examine a variety of historical and cultural contexts from post-unification history, society and culture, to the early 20th century, Fascism and World War II. You will study a selection of literary, visual and cinematic texts and will learn to place them in their historical and cultural context. At the end of this module, you should be able to understand key aspects of the history and culture of Italy from the Unification to World War II, assess the relationship between social and historical change and cultural representations, and develop the necessary analytical skills to read different texts and visual materials and place them in their historical and cultural context.

Topics covered

• The unification of Italy
• Post-unification culture and society
• The early 20th century
• Modernity and technology
• New cultural form and artistic experimentation
• The First World War
• The Fascist regime
• The Second World War and the Resistance