Italian Fiction of Intrigue: From Past to Present Day

In this course we will study the social and political anxieties expressed, and possibly tamed, by the popular genre of the "giallo" or Italian pulp crime novel. We will focus on two related historical moments - the period of the fascist regime in early 20th century Italy and the so-called "second republic" which stretches from the late 20th century to the present day - in order to explore the transformation of the genre and to examine potential shifts in the social reflection it presents. We will read the works of well-known writers such as Andrea Camilleri and Carlo Lucarelli, as well as the lesser known Alessandro Varaldo and Vasco Mariotti. (ITAL 0355 or equivalent) 3 hrs disc.