JCU Logo

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EXP 1003"
COURSE NAME: "Narratives of Italian Immigration in the United States"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Anna Mauceri Trimnell
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: FRI 9:00AM 1:00PM (Class meets on: January 27, February 17, February 24 & March 10)
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 15
CREDITS: 1
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Grading: This course will be graded on a PASS/FAIL scale
This course explores the stories and the experiences of Italian American immigrants as they traveled to America and began their new lives. It aims to analyze the various narratives concerning Italian immigration to the United States between the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX century. We will explore different moments and issues relating to the immigrants’ experiences through short stories and poems, films, documentaries, essays and various original documents.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Through the examination of different types of fiction and non-fiction texts, film and music, the student will be able to explore various elements of the experience of the Italian American immigrants.

The syllabus focuses on the representation of three fundamental common experiences: the journey to the US, life in the urban community and the development of clichés and stereotypes.

Classes will be organized into introductory lectures, analysis of texts or film, class discussions. The course is conducted in Italian.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the course the students will be able to recognize and discuss the main issues connected to the Italian migratory experience and comment on their artistic representation of them.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Regular attendance of classes  P/F
Active participation to the discussion and activities P/F
One short final paper P/F

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
Students are supposed to come prepared to class and participate in all activities. Active participation is crucial, since the learning process requires considerable practice. Regular attendance is an essential component of class participation.

Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused.
Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Lesson 1

Introduction to the course.

The Departure and the Voyage. Conditions in Italy, the conditions of the voyage, the arrival.

Documentary: Immigrants through Ellis Island

Film episode: L’altro figlio in Kaos by the Taviani Brothers

Reading: Luigi Pirandello L'altro figlio, Edmondo De Amicis, Sull'Oceano (selected stories). Maria Messina, La Merica and Nonna Lidda, Leonardo Sciascia, Il lungo viaggio.

Lesson 2

Analysis of the representation 
of the departure and voyage.

Italian Film: Nuovomondo by Emanuele Crialese (2006)

Lessons 3

Discussion about the film.

Introduction: The new life: The urban environment and the stereotypes.

Documentary: Extracts from the documentaries: Jacob Riis Clip and Italian American Experience.

Selected readings from F. Durante (ed.) Italoamericana.

Lesson 4

The new life: The urban environment and the stereotypes (cont.)

Extracts from the documentary Italian American Experience and from films and TV series.

Discussion about the readings and the videos.