Module Identifier IT20920  
Module Title MAFIA AND TERRORISM IN LITERATURE AND CINEMA  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Mr Adriano Vincentelli  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Other staff Ms Janet Jones  
Pre-Requisite (Normally) Eligibility for entry to Level 2 Italian.  
Course delivery Lecture   Total of 26 Lectures, Seminars/Tutorials and Practicals.  
  Seminars / Tutorials   Total of 26 Lectures, Seminars/Tutorials and Practicals.  
  Practical   Total of 26 Lectures, Seminars/Tutorials and Practicals.  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours   60%  
  Semester Assessment   Continuous Assessment: Essay c.3000 words or equivalent 20%; Group presentation 10%.   40%  

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should have
- acquired an insight into the events and conflicts of the 1970s and 1980s in Italy and consequently a better understanding of the complexity and apparent contradictions of the contemporary Italian political scene.

- developed an appreciation of literature as a valid vehicle for socio-political comment.

- acquired a body of knowledge that would enable them to present examples of how humour (irony, satire, farce) can serve to promote serious discussion of issues of vital importance to society and to the individual.

- in view of the fact that the chosen texts do not in all cases present clearly defined answers to the problems raised, by the end of this module students should have further developed their ability to reach their own conclusions by weighing the factual evidence available and interpreting authors' attitudes to it.

Brief description

Four detective novels and a play: based on the study of texts by L Sciascia and Dario Fo. The module will consider why Italian society, against all reason and during a period of unprecedented economic growth and well-being, was wracked by the seemingly unchecked power of the Mafia and by the acts of terrorist groups.