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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 215"
COURSE NAME: "Italian Politics and Society"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: John Constantelos
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 2:00PM 3:45PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: PL 223 recommended for students majoring in Political Science and International Affairs
OFFICE HOURS: MTWTh 16:00-17:00 and Thursday 13:00-14:00

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:
The semester begins with a review and analysis of Italian history, focusing on post-World War II developments.  Italy’s main partisan traditions on the political left, right, and center are introduced.  This is followed by units introducing Italy’s most important economic and political actors and institutions; some of these will be seen in a walking tour of Rome.  The importance of regionalism is assessed, from the perspective of Putnam and his critics.  We study social and cultural traditions, and examine social problems, including corruption and organized crime.  We analyze the composition, goals, and activities of leading interest groups and social movements.  An online lab will allow students to investigate what ordinary citizens think about controversial social and political issues.  The second half of the semester focuses on the current government, its challenges, and policies, especially economic policy, social policy, and immigration policy.  We finish the semester with a look at Italy’s policies toward the European Union and the impact of European integration on Italy.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will acquire and demonstrate their knowledge of the main historical developments that shape contemporary Italian politics and society.  They will become familiar with Italy’s regions and its economic, social, and political actors and institutions.  They will develop an understanding of how Italy resembles its European neighbors and how it stands apart from them.  Students will understand Italy’s place in the European Union and in the global political economy, and they will learn about its relations with its Mediterranean neighbors.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Politics of Italy: Governance in a Normal CountryJames L. NewellCambridge University Press978-0-521-84070-5     
Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern ItalyRobert D. PutnamPrinceton University Press9780691037387     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Italy TodayAndrea MammoneRoutledge978-0-415-56160-0  
Italian Politics 2013: Still Waiting for the TransformationCarlo Fusaro and Annie KreppelBerghahn Books978-1-78238-811-1  
Europeanization and Domestic Policy Change: The Case of ItalyPaolo R. GrazianoRoutledge978-1-13-883032-5  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm examination 20%
Final examination 30%
Weekly assignments 25%
Class participation 25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A Work 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
B This 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.
C This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
D This 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.
F This 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

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 June 26.
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

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
May 25Introduction   
May 26Italy in the 20th CenturyNewell, pp. 1-25  
May 27Parties and partisanshipNewell, pp. 25-31  
May 28The collapse of the old orderNewell, pp. 31-45 and 172-175  
June 1The Italian economyNewell, pp. 167-172 and 253-270; Putnam, ch. 1  
June 3Political institutionsNewell, ch. 2 (skip pp. 61-64); Putnam, ch. 2  
June 4Regions and regional politicsNewell, pp. 61-64 and 79-95; Putnam, ch. 3  
June 8PolicymakingNewell, ch. 4; Putnam, ch. 4  
June 9Social and cultural traditionsNewell, pp. 145-159; Putnam, ch. 5; Mammone, ch. 6  
June 10Corruption and organized crimeNewell, pp. 159-167; Putnam, ch. 6  
June 11Midterm examination  June 11
June 12Italian public opinion World Values Survey lab 
June 15Interest groups and social movementsNewell, ch. 6  
June 16Recent electionsNewell, ch. 7; Fusaro and Kreppel, Introduction  
June 17The Renzi governmentFusaro and Kreppel, chs. 1 and 3  
June 18Economic policyNewell, pp. 253-270  
June 22Social policyNewell, ch. 9; Fusaro and Kreppel, ch. 11  
June 23ImmigrationMammone, Part III  
June 24Italy's foreign and EU policyNewell, ch. 10  
June 25The Europeanization of ItalyGraziano, ch. 2  
June 26Final examination  June 26