Contemporary Italy (45 h, 3 credits)

This course gives an overview of recent Italian history, with particular attention to the changes that

have affected the lives of most Italians, i.e.:

-          Italy during the reconstruction after the II World War

-          European and the American influence in Italy

-          the development of consumption; families and consumption

-          the Italian economy: the triumph of the public sector

-          the role of the parties in the Italian society: democracy Italian style.

-          the 1970’s and the season of violence: mafia, massacres and terrorism

-          Italy in G7

-          civil society and mass culture

-          “Tangentopoli” and the transformation of the political system 

-          immigration, women's new roles

-          Italy in 2000 - 2010 

The course also introduces students to contemporary culture in its wider sense, familiarizing them
with Italian design, fashion, television, newspapers, films, music, uses of language, etc.