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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "SOSC/ITS 250-4"
COURSE NAME: "Contemporary Italian Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: James Schwarten
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00-11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the complexities of contemporary Italian society, taking a primarily ‘bottom-up’ social science approach by examining a wide variety of contexts and exploring the ways in which Italians express, negotiate and transform their cultural and social identities. By drawing on a growing body of anthropological and sociological research, it provides students with the tools to question rigid and dated assumptions about Italian social life and enables them to analyze its multifaceted, dynamic and often contradictory forms and practices, focusing primarily on the last two decades. Students are first introduced to key theoretical and methodological approaches in the sociological and anthropological study of contemporary Italy. We then examine local identities in urban contexts, how families and gender roles are transforming, and the pressures produced by the current economic crisis, as well as exploring why increasing numbers of Italians are returning to rural livelihoods. Next, we discuss life in the Italian work-place and the effects that de-industrialization, technological development and precarious work contracts are having on professional and class identities. We analyze the rising appeal of populist and ‘anti-political’ discourses and figures and then focus on how Italy’s strong civic movements are struggling to improve social life ‘from below’. Among the issues tackled are ones traditionally relegated to the private domain, such as disabilities and sexual identities. Lastly, we examine how migration is changing social and cultural life as the country becomes increasingly multiethnic, how religious (and secular) identities are expressed, and the effects that Italy’s dramatic brain-drain is having within the country.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course primarily focuses on social dynamics and identities in Italy as they have emerged in the last two decades and continue to transform in the present, although each topic is contextualized within a broader explanation of social change in the post-World War 2 era. Students are first introduced to the main theoretical and methodological approaches adopted in the sociological and anthropological study of contemporary Italy. We then examine the ways in which local and community identities are expressed and transformed in Italy’s primarily urban society, how families and gender roles have developed since the 1970s and the pressures produced by the current economic crisis, as well as the reasons and processes by which increasing numbers of Italians are re-developing rural activities and livelihoods. Next, we discuss life in the Italian work-place and the effects that de-industrialization, technological development and precarious work contracts are having on professional  and class identities. Inevitably, these new identities are also expressed in the political arena and we therefore examine the rising appeal of populist and ‘anti-political’ discourses and figures and the extent to which traditional parties are able to respond to these demands and challenges. Italy’s strong civic movements are also innovating and struggling to improve social life ‘from below’ and we explore various forms and expressions of this civic engagement and protest. Issues that have been traditionally relegated to the private domain – such as disabilities and sexual identities – are increasingly being represented in the public sphere and we explore the way the fight for rights and recognition is evolving. Lastly, we examine Italy as a multiethnic society and the increasingly transnational identities that are developing as people move into and out of the country. We discuss how immigration is changing social and cultural life and how the growing number of ‘hyphenated Italians’ express their identities. Religious (and secular) identities and practices are profoundly connected to these processes and we explore the social role of Catholicism and other religions today. We also investigate why Italy is suffering a dramatic brain-drain and the influence that young Italians abroad are having on their society of origin.

The course will include at least one fieldtrip within Rome. Various classes will also require students to carry out field observations and interviews with Italians for homework in order to encourage experiential learning. In addition to participating in lectures, class discussions and doing the assigned readings, students will be expected to attend guest lectures offered by John Cabot and to watch a number of documentaries and films about contemporary Italy in their own time.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

·         Explain the main methods and rationale of anthropological and sociological inquiry as it pertains to Italy

·         Refer to theoretical debates concerning identities, performativity and tensions between agency and structure

·         Identify the main periods of social change in post-war Italy and analyze today’s phenomena within those contexts

·         Outline the main demographic and population changes of recent decades and explain their causes and  consequences on social interactions and identities

·         Discuss the main economic developments in Italy since the 1980s especially as they concern the labor market and the workplace

·          Discuss debates concerning the body and the public sphere: gender, sexualities, and disabilities

·         Identify the main forms and expressions of grassroots action and protest and their reasons

·         Outline Italy’s recent history of in- and out-migration and discuss why people decide to migrate and how this relates to processes of identity formation

·         Explain the changing role of Catholicism in Italy and the increasing importance of secularism and alternative religious identities

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy: History, politics, societyMammone, A., Parini, E. G., & Veltri, G. A. (2015)Routledge0415604176  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Porta Palazzo: The anthropology of an Italian market.Black, R. (2012).Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. 0812223152  
Around the Tuscan table: Food, family, and gender in twentieth century Florence.Counihan, C. (2004).New York: Routledge0415946735  
Ritual, rapture and remorse: A study of tarantism and pizzica in Salento.Daboo, J. (2010).New York: Peter Lang3039110926  
The passeggiata and popular culture in an Italian town: Folklore and the performance of modernity. Del Negro, G. (2004)Montréal: McGill-Queen's University Press0773527397  
Italy's Margins.Forgacs, D. (2014).Cambridge University Press1107052173  
Migrants in Translation: Caring and the Logics of Difference in Contemporary Italy.Giordano, C. (2014).Berkeley: University of California Press0520276663  
Conceiving life: Reproductive politics and the law in contemporary Italy.Hanafin, P. (2007).Aldershot, England: Ashgate0754646351  
Darkness Before Daybreak: African Migrants Living on the Margins of Southern Italy TodayLucht, H. (2011)University of California Press0520270738  
Labor Disorders in Neoliberal Italy: Mobbing, Well-being, and the Workplace.Molé, N. (2012)Bloomington: Indiana University Press02532231990253223199  
The moral neoliberal: Welfare and citizenship in ItalyMuehlebach, A. K. (2012)Chicago University Press0226545407  
Sheltering women: Negotiating gender and violence in northern Italy.Plesset, S. (2006).Stanford, Calif: Stanford University Press0804753016  
Religion, Italian StyleGarelli, Franco (2014)Ashgate147243644X  
Global Rome: Changing Faces of the Eternal CityClough Marinaro, Isabella and Bjorn Thomassen (Eds) (2014) Indiana University Press 0253012953  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm ExamEssay-based exam: students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings20
Final ExamEssay-based exam: students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings25
Final Research PaperWrite an essay based on research on one of the problems/issues discussed in the course. Debate its dynamics, impacts and possible solutions, drawing from the recommended readings and further bibliographical research. The assignment is organized in two parts: 1. An overview of the literature on the topic, presentation of research question and outline of main points and structure of the paper. 10% (Guidelines will be provided) 2. Final paper, incorporating feedback on outline. 20%30
Oral presentation of research project and findingsIn the process of finalizing their research paper students will present their project and findings to the rest of the class in order to generate questions, feedback and the opportunity for refining the analysis to be integrated in the final version of their essay. Guidelines and rubric will be provided.10
Class ParticipationAttendance is mandatory. Participation is graded based on the student's comments, questions, active note-taking and general active engagement in class discussions and activities. Attendance is mandatory. Participation is graded based on the student's comments, questions, active note-taking and general active engagement in class discussions and activities. Students will receive half the grade at mid-term (5%) and half at the end of the semester (5%)10
Presentation and discussion of readingsStudents are graded on their ability to summarize and critically discuss their assigned readings. Students will receive a rubric for guidance on how to present the readings.5

-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 course.
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:

Letter grades and corresponding percentages for this class

94 – 100 points = A

90 – 93.99 pts = A-

87 – 89.99 = B+

83 – 86.99 = B

80 – 82.99 = B-

77 – 79.99 = C+

70 – 76.99 = C

60 – 69.99 = D

59.99 – 0 = F 

Attendance is mandatory and, alongside active participation in class, makes up 10% of the final grade. You are expected to not miss any classes. If you do, for example for health reasons, I will accept a maximum of two absences, after which I will deduct 2% from your final grade for each class missed.

You cannot make up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean's Office. The Dean's Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or situations of similar gravity. 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 miss an 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. Indivisual 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 the work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 8 December.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. 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. The final exam period runs until ____________
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

SCHEDULE


Session

Session Focus

Reading Assignment

WK1A

29 Aug

Introduction to the course               

WK1B

31 Aug

Introduction to the study of contemporary Italian society:

Imagined Italy and multiple Italies

Theoretical and methodological approaches               

Mignone, M. Italy Today: Facing the Challenges of the New Millennium, Introduction (pp. 13-28)

WK2A

5 Sept

Overview of Italian social change and identity: 1861-1990s

Castellanos, E. (2010). The Symbolic Construction of Community in Italy: Provincialism and Nationalism. Ethnology 49 (1), 61-78.

WK2B

7 Sept

Cont’d

Mignone, M. Italy Today: Facing the Challenges of the New Millennium, Chapter 5 (pp. 131-156)

WK3A

12 Sept

Argentin, G. “New generation at a crossroads: decline or change? Young people in Italy and their transformation since the nineties” The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy, Ebook pp. 77-88

WK3B

14 Sept

CLASS CANCELLED.

MAKE-UP LECTURE ON MAFIAS IN ROME, OCT 4

WK4A

19 Sept

Social change in urban Italy since the 1990s

Tintori, G and M. Colucci “From manpower to brain drain? Emigration and the Italian state, between past and present” The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy, Ebook pp. 37-48

WK4B

21 Sept

Local and global identities

Read one of the following:

Carlestal
, E. (2011). What a Marvelous Event: The Ever Becoming of an Italian Village. The Journal of Mediterranean Studies 20 (1), 13-25. 

Trabalzi, F. (2014) Marginal Centers. Learning from Rome’s Peripheries  in Global Rome, Changing Faces of the Eternal City, pp. 219-231

 WK5A

26 Sept

Changing families and gender roles

Ruspini, E. “Role and perceptions of women in contemporary Italy”, The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy (ebook), pp. 64-76

WK5B

28 Sept

 Cont’d

Gender Gap Report Italy

WK6A

3 Oct

The body and the public sphere: sex, sexualities and disabilities

Read one of the following:

Capuano, S., Simeone, S., Scaravilli, G., Raimondo, D., & Balbi, C. (January 01, 2009). Sexual behaviour among Italian adolescents: Knowledge and use of contraceptives. European J. of Contraception and Reproductive Healthcare, 14 (4), 285-289.

Bertone, C., & Ferrero, C. R. (January 01, 2009). Beyond the sex machine? Sexual practices and masculinity in adult men's heterosexual accounts. Journal of Gender Studies, 18 (4), 369-386.

WK6B

4 Oct

Make-up class
: Public lecture on Mafias in Rome, 6:00-7:30pm

WK6C

5 Oct

Mid-term exam

WK7A

10 Oct

Uncivil society: Mafias

Europol. Italian Organized Crime Threat Assessment

WK7B

12 Oct

Cont’d

Allum, F. (2001). Becoming a camorrista: criminal culture and life choices in Naples. Journal of Modern Italian Studies 6 (3), 324-347.

WK8A

17 Oct

North-South divide and civil society movements

Chambers, I. “The ‘Southern Question’ . . . again”, The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy, (Ebook) p. 13-22 

WK8B

19 Oct

Con’d

Harris, L. (2012). Photography of the ‘primitive’ in Italy: perceptions of the peasantry at the turn of the twentieth century 17 (3), 310-330.

WK9A

24 Oct

Cont’d

Hajek, A. (December 01, 2013). Learning from L'Aquila: Grassroots mobilization in post-earthquake Emilia-Romagna. Journal of Modern Italian Studies, 18 (5), 627-643.

WK9B

26 Oct

Populisms and changing media

Fabbri, M. & Diani, M. “Social movement campaigns from global justice activism to Movimento Cinque Stelle” The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy, Ebook  p 225-236

WK9C

27 Oct

Make-up class for Nov 23

Cont’d

Fabio Bordignon & Luigi Ceccarini (2013) Five Stars and a Cricket. Beppe Grillo Shakes Italian Politics, South European Society and Politics, 18 (4), 427-449.

WK10A

31 Oct

Religion and secularism

Lopreino, D. “Religion and the state” The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Italy Ebook pp. 145-154

WK10B

2 Nov

Cont’d

Pace, E. (2007). A peculiar pluralism. Journal of Modern Italian Studies 12 (1), 86-100.

WK11A

7 Nov

Immigration, the “refugee crisis” and second generations

Musarò, P., & Parmiggiani, P. (2017). Beyond black and white: the role of media in portraying and policing migration and asylum in Italy. International Review Of Sociology, 27 (2), 241-260.

WK11B

9 Nov

Cont’d

Arnone, A. (January 01, 2011). Talking about identity: Milanese-Eritreans describe themselves. Journal of Modern Italian Studies, 16 (4), 516-527.

WK12A

14 Nov

Student presentations

WK12B

6 Nov

Student presentations

WK13A

21 Nov

Student presentations

WK13B

23 Nov

CLASS CANCELLED

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

WK14A

28 Nov

Student presentations

WK14B

30 Nov

Student presentations and/or final course considerations