Course Catalogue

Italian Cinema: Migration, Displacement and Exile in Films and Documentaries ITALIAN4056

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course explores migration through analysing films and documentaries portraying Italian culture from a transnational perspective, including portrayals of Italian emigration, as well Italy's recent transformation from a nation of migrants into a multi-ethnic society. It explores representations of race, gender, ethnicity and religion, the irruption of the unknown into self-enclosed communities, and the impact of migration on those who are left behind.

Timetable

20 x 1 hour sessions as scheduled on MyCampus.

 

This is one of the honours options in SMLC and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Italian, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but an extension to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ become acquainted with the Italian cinematic tradition

■ analyse films and documentaries against the background of Italy's history and recent socio-political developments

■ think critically about migration as represented in films and documentaries

■ reflect on cultural representations and gender concepts in relation to migration

■ introduce critical and theoretical works on film and migration, as well as theories of transculturality and multiculturalism

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ apply appropriate tools to analyse and compare the films and documentaries studied;

■ relate the films and documentaries studied to their historical and social contexts;

■ question critically assumptions about representations of ethnicity and gender;

■ engage with the secondary sources indicated, evaluate and communicate the understanding gained through individual research;

■ produce well-supported and well-referenced written arguments on course topics.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions