Italian American Experience in the U.S.: Culture and Literature

This course examines significant works of literature and culture written in English by mainstream Italian American writers. It concentrates on novels, short stories, and essays from the late 19th century to the present. Special attention is given to issues of cultural identity, social class, race, and gender, as well as immigration and bilingualism. While focusing on the diversity of Italian American literary and cultural modes, this course also explores the sociopolitical contexts in which the works emerged, and the commonalities and differences of the experiences of Italian American diasporas in the U.S.