Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Italian Identities: gender, sexuality and race
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Modern Languages
Module Code	09 34925
Module Lead	Charlotte Ross
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1 or 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module explores the formation, representation and elaboration of identity in twentieth-century and contemporary Italy. Key aspects of identity, such as gender, sexuality and race, will be critically explored in relation to the changing socio-cultural, legal and political context. We engage critically with evolving legal and political definitions of ‘italianità’, the family and gender roles, and consider the impact of historical events (such as Unification, Fascism), institutions (the Catholic Church) and socio-cultural movements (1970s feminism, the LGBT movement). Drawing on relevant critical publications and locating cultural texts in their social, historical and political context, this module requires students to analyse representations and expressions of identity in Italy, Students will explore both normative hegemonic and oppositional discourses at key moments since Unification, identifying when and how traditional models are subverted or unravelled.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Critically evaluate the historical/culture context and developments in discourses on gender, feminism, sexuality and race in Italy; Synthesise and evaluate themes across a wide range of diverse material in both English and Italian; Demonstrate an ability to find, appraise, and apply scholarly literature not cited on module reading lists.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2,5,000 word essay in English (70%); a 10 minute individual presentation (in Italian) including questions (5-7 min presentation) (30%). Reassessment: No resits are permitted in final year. If students miss the assessed task owing to extenuating circumstances, the failed task would be rescheduled at a later date.
Other
Reading List