Loyola University Chicago

Instructor: Prof.ssa Susana Cavallo

Meeting Day: Tuesday

Meeting Times: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

A comparative study of 20th century Italian and Italian women writers from different periods and geographic areas. We will begin with a pair of writers from the early 20th century, one Italian and one Italian American; two writers from the 2nd World War to the post-war period; and two writers from the close of the century. Special emphasis will be given to the construction of the female subject; the representation of gender; the relations between men and women, and among women--mothers and daughters, sisters and other female family members, and friends--the relationship between creativity and sexuality; and the intimate interplay of gender, politics, and social mores in the formation of female identity.

In addition to the six works that we will study in class, we will have presentations from three Italian and Italian American women who work and teach at the Rome Center: Dr. Grazia Sotis, Dr. Lucia Aiello-Miller, Marilyn Martimucci Vitale.

To identify the many differences among women who hail from different parts of Italy: Sardinia, Sicilia, Tuscany.

To ascertain the differences and similarities between women who share a common national and religious heritage but live in different societies and countries.

To define what it is to be "Italian," in contrast with "Italian American.

• The Little Virtues. Natalia Ginzburg. Arcade Publishing. ISBN: 1559700289.
• A Woman. Sibilla Aleramo. U of California Press, 1983. ISBN 0520049497.
• The Silent Duchess. Dacia Maraina.Feminist Press, 2000. ISBN: 15581222X.
• Umbertina. Helen Barolini. Feminist Press, 1999, ISBN 155861205X.
• Mount Allegro. Jerre Gerlando Mangione. Syracuse UP, 1998. ISBN: 0815604297.
• Paper Fish. Tina De Rosa. Feminist Press, 2003. ISBN: 1558614397.

There will be a mid-term, a final examination, and six short reaction papers on each text, as well as a final comparative five-page paper. All written work will be done in draft form. All students, and especially WOST students are encouraged to use works from other disciplines as a frame for their study. They may also compare one of the works with texts read in other classes, including male-authored texts. Instructions for the oral report will be given by the instructor.

Finally, a class is a community. You are responsible for attending all class meetings, for coming prepared to discuss the materials, and for active participation. You will be graded accordingly.

• Class participation: 20%
• Mid-Term: 10%'
• Oral Report: 10%
• Short Papers: 30%
• Final Exam: 15%
• Final Paper: 15%

JFRC 305 (Tel: 306). M & W 1:30-2:30pm. (Other hrs. by appt.) Email: scavall@luc.edu