This course explores the connection between national identity and ‘historical memory’ — i.e. the way in which a society, its media and institutions talk about their past and how this shapes national identity. Examining Italians’ different perspectives on major historical turning points, we will explore how these moments have molded Italians’ different identities. Controversies around the legacy of Fascism, colonialism, and political violence continue to shape contemporary politics and divides of region, class, gender, culture, religion and migration status have often complicated the idea of a monolithic ‘Italianness’. Students will examine how this historical memory is created not just by professional historians, but by media, cultural products (movies, novels), political institutions and popular myths. They will be able to critically analyze different representations of the past, and develop their own independent perspective on how identities are formed.
This course has an associated course fee. See the Course Fees webpage for more information.
Department: History
Location: Florence
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Credits: 3