Italian American Women Writers and Artists: Issues of Identities

Students will read works by leading Italian American women writers, including Helen Barolini, Rita Ciresi, Tina De Rosa, Diana di Prima, Louise De Salvo, Maria Mazziotti Gillian, Agnes Rossi and Rose Romano, in order to explore the cultural identity of Italian American women and the way it affects artistic expression. The attitude of these writers towards gender and ethnicity, which shapes and is shaped by their race, nationality, class and sexual orientation will be examined. The students will learn about the contribution of Italian American wormen in the fields of cinema and visual arts through the works of such artists as B. Amore, Renata Gangemi, Luisa Pretolani, Kym Ragusa and Nancy Savoca. For further enrichment, students will visit relevant exhibits, view movies, and meet some of the most inspiring representatives of the Italian American intellectual community.

Fall, Spring

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