Italian Food, Italian Culture

3 units

This course will provide students with an introduction to Italian culture presented through an exploration of one of Italy's most appreciated aspects: its food. We will examine the relationship between Italian food and Italian culture through readings, films, tasting experiences, and interactions with the local Italian food scene. We will look at food in its social and cultural context through a multi-disciplinary approach - history, anthropology, sociology, and literature. A major focus will be on understanding the extraordinary significance of food in the definition of Italianness from an Italian, as well as from an American perspective. No knowledge of Italian is required: readings and discussions will be in English, but students with prior knowledge of Italian will have multiple opportunities to improve their linguistic skills.