Representations of Urban Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice

Rome, Florence, and Venice are central to the Western image of the city. With ancient Rome as a model, we will enrich our historical knowledge of the cities and their famous sites. We will explore how literature, urban planning, and the arts represent them. Genres to be explored (in English) include poetry and travel memoirs; literature and film of ancient Rome, including toga epics; contemporary novels and films (e.g., Michael Dibdin, Donna Leon; this year’s Oscar-winning The Great Beauty). Research projects will focus on the cities’ distinctive cuisines, and will include culinary practice. 3 hrs. sem.