ITAL 325 - The Mafia In Context: Cinematic Representations of Italian and Italian-American Organized Crime

Credits: (3)
College Curriculum: COLL 200
Domain (Anchored): ALV
From a regional phenomenon of criminal rebellion in Sicily, to a semi-legal global network, Cosa nostra has captured the attention of many filmmakers. In this course, we will examine the cinematic representations of the Italian mafia both in the US and in Italy. Employing the multidisciplinary frames of cultural studies, we will try to understand the impact of the mafia on society and culture. The making and unmaking of the American dream, the corruption of political systems in Italy, the disintegration of communities, and the multiple attempts to resist by activists and the judiciary will be the themes at the center of our discussion. No previous knowledge of Italian is required. The course will be entirely in taught in English.