The Many Manifestations of Italian Culture

This course is designed to introduce students to the history of Italian (particularly Sicilian) culture through immersion, observation and reflection. The course is built around 25 hours of cultural lectures (in English) complemented by activities examining the daily life, social values, contemporary issues and ancestral traditions of Sicilians. Language study (20 hours) is included to facilitate and enhance the cultural immersion experience.

This course is designed to introduce students to the history of Italian (particularly Sicilian) culture through immersion, observation and reflection. The course is built around 25 hours of cultural lectures (in English) complemented by activities examining the daily life, social values, contemporary issues and ancestral traditions of Sicilians. Language study (20 hours) is included to facilitate and enhance the cultural immersion experience.

Cultural lectures and readings in English include the following topics:

• The Geography and Unique Features of the Regions of Italy
• The Arabic Poets of Sicily
• The Ancient Philosophers of Italy
• The Teatro Antica
• Pupi and Carrettino
• Mythology and Legends
• The Geology of Mt. Etna (Mongibello)
• The History and Traditions of Olives, Olive cultivation and Olive Oil
• The Traditional Art of Marzipane
• Bellini to Battiano
• The Mafia
• The Archeological Treasures of Sicily