Italian Representations of the Holocaust

A survey of some of the most important texts (fiction, history, philosohpy, films) that deal with both the Holocaust in Italy, and representations of the Holocast by Italians. Readings include Levi, Bassani, Loy, Agamben; films those of Benigni, Cavani, Wertmuller. There will also be discussion of the aesthetic and political complexities regarding portrayals of the Holocaust, such as trauma, witnessing, historical truth, kitsch. Taught in English, with the possibility of a section in Italian.