Dr. Claudia Karagoz
330 Ritter Hall
ckaragoz@slu.edu
Tel. (314) 977-3667
ITAL 393-01
Spring 2010
M 2:10-4:25; W 2:10-3:25
Office hours: MW 4:30-5:30
Mafia and Antimafia in Italian Culture: Perceptions, Representations, Experiences
What do we think about when we hear the word mafia in the United States? How do we account for
the fascination held for many Americans by cinematic and television Italian mafiosi? What, on the
other hand, does mafia mean to Italians? Is organized crime a strictly Southern phenomenon in Italy,
and how did it come about? What are, today, the different facets—political and institutional
ramifications, specific regional manifestations, and national and international connections—, of
organized crime in Italy? These questions, among others, will guide our exploration of a diverse
selection of fictional and non fictional texts—short stories, movies, photographs, testimonials—
representing the experiences of mafia crimes perpetrators and victims, as well as those of Italians
active in the antimafia movement. The objective of this course is thus twofold: first, students will
familiarize themselves with the social, political, and historical conditions that contributed to the rise,
and shaped the evolution, of organized crime in Italy—particularly in Sicily. Second, we will analyze,
and interrogate, the ways in which movie directors, writers, photojournalists, and, last but not least,
academic discourse, have reproduced people, events, and socio-cultural practices related to organized
crime in Italy. By investigating the socio-historical background of organized crime in Italy, and
examining its representations, students will question stereotypes, broaden their knowledge of Italian
culture, and refine their critical thinking and writing skills.
In our lectures, film screenings, readings, and class discussions, we will devote particular attention to
the study of perceptions of the mafia phenomenon in Italy and abroad, and to a consideration of how
gender, class, and geo-historical location shape the experiences of people affected by organized crime.
We will read and discuss narratives by well-known Italian authors such as Giovanni Verga and
Leonardo Sciascia, as well as recent testimonials by women at the forefront of the anti-mafia
movement such as Sicilian photojournalist Letizia Battaglia. Screenings and discussions of films and
documentaries by renowned Italians directors such as Francesco Rosi and Marco Tullio Giordana will
be an integral part of our coursework. A reader including theoretical, historical, and critical essays will
supplement our readings and discussions.
Our in-class activities will consist primarily of interactive lectures and presentations, movie
screenings, and group discussions of readings and films; regular class attendance and active class
participation are expected; a maximum of two unexcused absences is allowed. Students will be
asked to write a one-page response to each text, or set of texts (short stories, films, etc.) discussed in
class, a midterm exam, and a final exam. In addition, students are required to engage regularly in a
critical discussion of class materials on Blackboard, by posting at least one entry per week.
Your final grade will be computed as follows:
Attendance & Participation
25 %
Midterm Exam
20%
Responses
30%
Final Exam
25%
Class participation includes: individual and group contributions during class meetings, homework,
web-based activities, and discussions on Blackboard. Students are required to complete readings and
other assignments prior to class meetings.
N.B. Students who take this course towards a Major or a Minor in Italian Studies register for ITAL 39302 (F 2:10-3:00), for a total of 4 credits.
Italian 393-01
Spring 2010
Dr. Karagoz
Texts
Robin Pickering-Iazzi, ed.
Mafia and Outlaw Stories from Italian Life and Literature.
Leonardo Sciascia
The Day of the Owl
A Course Reader (on e-reserve)
Academic Integrity and Honesty
The University is a community of learning, whose effectiveness requires an environment of mutual
trust and integrity. Academic integrity is violated by any dishonesty such as soliciting, receiving, or
providing any unauthorized assistance in the completion of work submitted toward academic credit.
While not all forms of academic dishonesty can be listed here, examples include copying from another
student, copying from a book or class notes during a closed book exam, submitting materials authored
by or revised by another person as the student’s own work, copying a passage or text directly from a
published source without appropriately citing or recognizing that source, taking a test or doing an
assignment or other academic work for another student, securing or supplying in advance a copy of an
examination without the knowledge or consent of the instructor, and colluding with another student or
students to engage in academic dishonesty.
Any clear violation of academic integrity will be met with appropriate sanctions. Possible sanctions for
violation of academic integrity may include, but are not limited to, assignment of a failing grade in a
course, disciplinary probation, suspension, and dismissal from the University. Students should review
the College of Arts and Sciences policy on Academic Honesty, which can be accessed on-line at
http://www.slu.edu/colleges/AS/ under “Quicklinks for Students” or in hard copy form in the Arts and
Sciences Policy Binder in each departmental or College office.
Students with Special Needs - Disability Services:
Students who believe that, due to impact of a disability, they may need academic accommodations in
order to meet the requirements of this, or any other, class at Saint Louis University are encouraged to
contact Adam Meyer in Disability Services (977-8885 or at meyerah@slu.edu). Disability Services is
located in the Student Success Center (Busch Student Center, Suite 331). Confidentiality will be
observed in all inquiries.
Arts & Sciences Grading Scale
The Arts & Sciences Grading Scale can be accessed at: http://www.slu.edu/x6352.xml
New undergraduate grading scale effective Fall 2005
Grade Points
A 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B 3.0
B- 2.7
C+ 2.3
C 2.0
C- 1.7
D 1.0
F0
PLEASE NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change. All changes will be announced in class.
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Italian 393-01
Spring 2010
Dr. Karagoz
Tentative Schedule
WEEK 1
January 11 & 13
Introduction: Mafia Myths
Read: 1. De Stefano, An Offer We Can’t Refuse (e-reserves)
2. Introduction: “Not the Sopranos,” Mafia and Outlaw Stories (3-20)
WEEK 2
January 20
Mon January 18 Martin Luther King Day: Official University Holiday
WEEK 3
January 25 & 27
Response 1 due
Brigandage, Separatism, and Cosa Nostra in Sicily
Screening of Salvatore Giuliano (Francesco Rosi)
Read: Invernizio; Ortese, Mafia and Outlaw Stories (25-32; 91-99)
*Start reading Sciascia, The Day of the Owl
WEEK 4
February 1 & 3
All About the Family
Screening of Mafioso (Alberto Lattuada)
Read: Occhipinti; La Spina; Mafia and Outlaw Stories (85-90; 112-120)
WEEK 5
February 8 & 10
Response 2 due
Sciascia, Literature, and Cosa Nostra
Read: Sciascia, The Day of the Owl
WEEK 6
February 15 & 17
Mafia as State?
Screening of Excellent Cadavers (documentary by Marco Turco)
Read: Crisantino, Mafia and Outlaw Stories (100-111)
WEEK 7
February 22 & 24
Response 3 due
Women, Gender Roles, and Organized Crime
Screening of The Most Beautiful Wife (Damiano Damiani)
Read: Atria, Mafia and Outlaw Stories (155-166)
WEEK 8
March 1 & 3
Review
Organized Crime in Italy: Origins, Evolution, Regional Manifestations
Read: 1. Dickie, Cosa Nostra (e-reserves)
2. Verga, Mafia and Outlaw Stories (21-25)
Wednesday, March 3: Midterm exam
SPRING BREAK: MARCH 8-12
WEEK 9
March 15 & 17
Through A Woman’s Lens
Screening of Battaglia (documentary by Daniela Zanzotto)
Read: 1. Battaglia, Mafia and Outlaw Stories (149-154)
2. Siebert, “Women and the Mafia” (e-reserves)
WEEK 10
March 22 & 24
Response 4 due
Analyze This: Laughing at the Mafia?
Screening of Johnny Stecchino (Roberto Benigni)
Read: Aste (e-reserves)
WEEK 11
March 29 & 31
Antimafia
Screening of I cento passi (Marco Tullio Giordana)
Read: De Stefani; Impastato; Mafia and Outlaw Stories (121-137; 143-144)
Browse: Centro Siciliano di Documentazione "Giuseppe Impastato"
http://www.centroimpastato.it/otherlang/inglese.php3
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Italian 393-01
Spring 2010
WEEK 12
April 7
Response 5 due
Dr. Karagoz
April 5 - Easter Monday: No Undergraduate Day classes
Antimafia Activism Today
Read: “Libera” homepage
http://www.libera.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/70
WEEK 13
April 12 & 14
Organized Crime in the Age of Berlusconi
Screening of Gomorra (Matteo Garrone)
Read: “Interview with Roberto Saviano”
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/italy801/interview/saviano.
html
WEEK 14
April 19 & 21
(Anti?)Mafia Lives On
Screening of Italy: Taking On the Mafia (Carola Mamberto)
Read: Interview with Alexander Stille
http://www.addiopizzo.org/public/frontline_270109b.pdf
View: Addiopizzo
http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com/lecture/view/addiopizzo/
WEEK 15
April 26 & 28
Review
WEEK 16
May 3
Conclusions
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