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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 215"
COURSE NAME: "Italian Politics and Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2025
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gabriele Simoncini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: PL 223 recommended for students majoring in Political Science and International Affairs
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the evolution of Italian political culture from 1945 to the present. Highlighting the problems of developing a national identity and the legacies of Fascism and the Resistance in influencing the 1948 Constitution, the course will look at Italy’s position during the Cold War, the economic miracle of the 1950s, the political conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s, the end of the First Republic and the political scene since 1992, as well as the political influence of such actors as the Vatican and the Mafia. This course examines the major features of the political and social systems of the Italian Republic. Topics of analysis include the Constitution, the Italian economy, the role of the State, unions, the relationship between North and South, NATO, the U.S.-Italian partnership, and the European Union. Special attention will be given to the political developments leading to the establishment of the Second Republic.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course covers political and social change in the recent history of Italy to the present, focussing on current political life and society.  A general historical introduction is provided.  Economic, social, and cultural aspects are treated.  Political theories, political movements, and ideologies including Liberalism and Communism are covered.  Nationalism and the Fascism era are analyzed.  Investigation focuses on transitional phenomena, political players, and structural fundamentals.  Italy is studied in the context of European Integration and the broader global scenario.  Particular attention is dedicated to specific social issues including, corruption, political terrorism, and the Mafia.  The Italian educational system, labour movement, and the “Made in Italy” business are treated.  The Vatican, Catholic Church, and Freemasonry are analyzed.  Identity and ethnicity are addressed including the issues of national identity, regionalism, separatism, and federalism.  The program covers Italy as a multinational society analysing ethnicity, immigration, and integration, with a special attention to the case of the Roma people.  Major political and scholarly interpretations of the periods and topics covered will be considered.  The class format includes lectures, discussion, team work, presentations, and audiovisual materials. The students will be asked to produce a research project, making extensive personal use of information and communication technology.  Guest speakers and field trips are planned.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will develop the ability to critically analyze the background and the present state of Italian politics.  They will be able to relate Italian political ideas, events, and players to the broader European and global political context.  Experience education, including guest speakers, field trips and team work will allow the students to better comprehend Italian realities.  Students will develop ability to conduct basic research, organize and present their findings in a logical and independent way.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation Regular attendance and active participation in class is required. Attendance requirements: A maximum of four absences are allowed throughout the semester. Any additional absence will result in a penalization of one grade level (e.g.: from B+ to B for five absences, B+ to B- for six absences, B+ to C+ for seven absences, etc.). Two latenesses count for one absence. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class by calling students’ names. Students not answering will be marked absent. Students arrived late will ask the instructor to be marked late at the end of the class, after which attendance records will not be modified. Use of Computers in class: The use of personal computers and technological devices in class is not permitted except for taking notes, or contributing to class activity during designated times. Students not respecting the rule will be penalized by getting no points in the Class Participation requirement (worth 10% of the final grade). Recording and filming in class is not allowed.10%
Midterm exam The midterm and final exam have the same format. The exams consist of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay, the student will choose from one of three proposed themes, and will write a well-organized essay. The second part of the exam consists of ten terms to be concisely defined.20%
Presentation In-class Presentation: Students are required to give a short individual or team presentation on a specific topic of their choice, approved by the instructor and related to the class program. The presentation will be well-organized, and concise, and include audiovisual and electronic materials. A draft presentation must be submitted to the instructor before presenting in class. An electronic version of the presentation must be uploaded on Moodle within the established deadline. Files sent by email are not accepted. No materials will be accepted past the deadline. 15%
Final exam The midterm and final exam have the same format. The exams consist of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay, the student will choose from one of three proposed themes, and will write a well-organized essay. The second part of the exam consists of ten terms to be concisely defined.25%
Final Project Final Project: The final paper (2.500 words) will be on any topic of the student’s choice related to the class program. The topic should be precisely defined and worthy of investigation. The instructor must approve a final paper project. To produce the final paper, students will receive written instructions in class and on Moodle. During the semester, students will show the instructor their work in progress. The production of the final paper is a work in progress during the semester. The deadline for the final paper submission on Moodle is the last class. Files sent by email are not accepted. No materials will be accepted past the deadline.30%

-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:

A maximum of four absences are allowed throughout the semester.  Any additional absence will result in a penalization of one grade level (e.g.: from B+ to B for five absences, B+ to B- for six absences, B+ to C+ for seven absences, etc.).  Two latenesses count for one absence.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class by calling students’ names.  Students not answering will be marked absent. Students arrived late will ask the instructor to be market late at the end of the class, after which attendance records will not be modified.
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

 

Unit    1                       Introduction. Methodology. Terminology.  The Italian Peninsula. The Italian State. The Italian Nation.

(Sep. 1, 3)                                                                                                                                                                                   (assigned readings)                       

 

Unit    2                       Eras of Historical and Development. Territory, Economy, and Society. The People     and the Nation.

(Sep. 8, 10                                                                                                          (Mignone, pp. 1-29; Mammone, pp. 1-16; assigned readings)

 

Unit    3                       State and Nation. The Southern Question. The Roman Question. The Fascist era. The Concordat. WWII.

(Sep. 15, 17)                                                                                                                                 (Mammone, pp. 114-127; assigned readings)

 

Unit    4                       “Civil War”. The Monarchy/Republic Referendum. The Constitution. The Republic. Democracy Italian Style.

(Sep. 22, 24)                                                                                                   (Mignone, pp. 61-84; Mammone, pp. 19-33; assigned readings)

 

Unit    5                       The Church and the Vatican. The Italian South. Mafias. Freemasonry. Political Terrorism.

(Sep. 29, Oct. 1)                                                                                           (Mignone, pp. 85-106; Mammone, pp. 171-197; assigned readings)

 

Unit    6                       Italian Minorities. Identities. Ethnicities. The “Gypsies”. The Prison System. The Judicial System.

(Oct. 6, 8*)                                                                                             (Mignone, pp. 107-122; Mammone, pp. 143-157; assigned readings)

 

* MIDTERM EXAM

 

Unit    7                       Reconstruction. The Economic Recovery. Agriculture. Industrialization and State Industries.

(Oct.13, 15)                                                                                                           (Mignone, pp. 123-156; Foot, pp. 1-16; assigned readings)

 

Unit    8                       Italy in the Boom Years. The economic miracle. Change of culture and society. The Labor Market.

(Oct. 20, 22)                                                                (Mignone, pp. 158-164; Mammone, pp. 201-212; Foot, pp. 17-50; assigned readings)

 

Unit    9                       Library Session. Political Culture, Social Transformation

(Oct. 27, 29)                                                                                                        (Mignone, pp. 164-184; Foot, pp. 50-80; assigned readings)

 

Unit  10                       From Boom to Collapse and Beyond.  Social Transformation. Migration. Identities.

(Nov. 3, 5)                                                  (Mignone, pp. 180-230; Mammone, pp. 158-170, 229-242; Foot, pp. 81-269; assigned readings)

 

Unit  11                       The Second Republic. Democratizing the Education System. University System. Barons. Radical reforms.

(Nov. 10, 12)                                                               (Mignone, pp. 231-262; Mammone, pp. 34-48; Foot, pp. 270-348; assigned readings)

 

Unit  12                       Italy in the Twenty-First Century. Secularization of State and Society. The Catholic Church. Religion.

(Nov. 17, 19)                                                                 (Mignone, pp. 263-292; Mammone, p. 73-84; Foot, pp. 349-380; assigned readings)

 

Unit  13                       Italy Today. Family: Tradition and Change. Women’s Movement and Gender Relations. New Legislation.

(Nov. 24, 26)                                                             (Mignone, pp. 293-341; Mammone, p. 243-252; Foot, pp. 381-419; assigned readings)

 

Unit  14                       Current Realities of Italy. The European Union. Globalization. Conclusion.

(Dec. 1, 3*)                                                                                                                                  (Mammone, pp. 213-228; assigned readings)             

 

* FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT 

 

 (Dec. 9 - 12, t.b.s.*)

 

                                    * FINAL EXAM

 

 

Films/Audiovisual Materials Sessions:

 

1.  (date t.b.s.)             “on Mafia”

2.  (date t.b.s.)             “on Minorities”

3.  (date t.b.s.)             “on Corruption”

 

 

NOTE:

The syllabus schedule may undergo reasonable changes about guest speakers, field trips, make-ups, discussions, events, and other contingencies.