CGI 101 Italian Food and Film Cultures
This course offers an interdisciplinary analysis of the foodways of Italy by using resources from history, geography, journalism, art history, cookbooks, literature, and audiovisual media. Beginning with the historical exploration of culinary traditions in the land now known as Italy, we will pay particular attention to urban and regional differences and issues of sustainability, food access, and food shortages. In addition to studying the development of alimentary customs over the centuries, we will examine contemporary food practices in Italy and some Italian communities abroad. Additional topics include the cultural symbolism of Italian food, the Mediterranean diet as a cultural heritage, ongoing changes in food production, distribution, and consumption, and Italy’s strategies for protecting its diverse food traditions, including the Slow Food movement. Last but not least, we will look at some representations of Italian food in cinema. The focus is on Italian food and culture, and it satisfies the Global Awareness and Understanding Pillars. Approaching the subject of food primarily from the disciplines of history and film, this course satisfies the stand-alone Integrative Scholarship requirement. Meets only one: GE 5C (Global) or IS 6 (Unlinked).
Distribution
CGI