Topics in Italian Culture and Literature (349-0-20)

Topic

Deconstructing the Mediterranean

Instructors

Francescomaria Tedesco

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Course taught by Francescomaria Tedesco (Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Camerino and Distinguished Fulbright Chair in Italian Studies)

Italian 349 Topics in Italian Culture & Literature: Deconstructing the Mediterranean

The aim of the course is to offer students an elaborate critical reconstruction of the debate on Mediterranean issues, using Italy as a paradigmatic cultural laboratory. This course will focus in particular on the question of the identity of the Italian South, analysing some cases of orientalisation of it and comparing them with new forms of exaltation of its identity and specificity. Particular attention will be paid to the philosophical aspects that these reflections on art and literature imply, in order to answer some questions on the Italian case and the Mediterranean (but not only): does authenticity exist? Does it make sense to look for it? Is it true, as Franco Fortini argued while amending a dictum by Adorno in Minima moralia, that there is no true life except in the false?

Class Materials (Required)

All the materials will be made available on Canvas

Class Notes

Course will be taught in Italian

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline