ITLE3010 Italian Cuisine and Literature

This course analyzes literary representations of Italian cuisine from a variety of historical periods and genres. Students will read key excerpts from literary works and watch television shows, documentaries, and films (based on literary works) that analyze the social, political, religious, and historical roles of cuisine and food. Students will consider how different cultural artifacts utilize cuisine to provoke discussion about gender, politics, power, religion, sexuality, class, and identity. The course emphasizes critical textual analysis, close reading, and the creation of meaning through literary and linguistic forms. Several cooking demonstrations based on the course’s themes and Italian regions being studied will be offered by Elon Dining’s chefs.

Credits

4 sh

Prerequisite

ITL 1020 - can be taken as a Prerequisite or Corequisite

Course Types

Civilization, Advanced Studies

Offered

• Fall

Notes

Taught in English. Does not fulfill world language requirement. Lab/cooking demonstration fee required.

Course Outcomes

1. Students will recognize the significance of the presence of food and cuisine in Italian culture and identity across time and regions.
2. Students will analyze the representation of food and cuisine in works of literature, television and cinema.
3. Students will understand how food and cuisine can reflect and define language, culture, gender, politics, religion, history, and national/regional identity.
4. Students will learn how to make Italian dishes, inspired by regions and themes under study.