SMC Core Curriculum Course Proposal Form
Electronically submit a copy of the course proposal form and attachments to the Chair
of the CCC. Please submit a separate copy of the proposal form for each learning goal.
1. Name of Proposer: Costanza Gislon Dopfel
2. Email address: cdopfel@stmarys-ca.edu
3. Department/Program of Proposer: Modern Languages
4. Name of Department/Program housing the course: Modern Languages
5. Name(s) of Program Director/Department Chair (if not the proposer): Lori Spicher
6. Course Acronym, Number and Title: ML186 – Italian Civilization
7. Semester(s) in which course will be offered: Spring 2013
8. How often is this course taught? every other year
9. Course Prerequisites (if any): none
10. Unit Value of Course: 1
11. Proper Audience for the course (delete those that don’t apply): all
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Freshmen
12. The Learning Goals for which the course is being submitted
(Courses may apply for at most one Pathways to Knowledge goal, and for as many Engaging
the World goals as is appropriate. Please complete a separate proposal form for desired
goal.)

Pathways to Knowledge
Artistic Understanding – Artistic Analysis only
Costanza Gislon Dopfel
Application for Artistic Understanding – Artistic Analysis Only
ML 186 – Italian Civilization
1) TEACHING:
ML 186 – Italian Civilization – focuses on the art, history and literature of Italy. It has no prerequisites and it can be taken by Freshmen and Sophomores. It is recognized as an upper
division valid towards both Art History and Italian Studies Minor/Major.
It is taught sequentially in two parts that can be taken independently (PLEASE SEE TWO
SYLLABI):
1) from pre-Roman times to the Renaissance (approximately to the Reformation) and
2) from the Renaissance to modern day.
Goals: In this course, students will examine, interpret and critique works of Italian
literature, music and art within their specific historical context. They will learn to analyze
and discuss images, object, words and sounds using appropriate vocabulary. Through the
study of selected artwork they will approach and understand the varied aspects of Italian
civilization.
Outcomes:
1a) Explore works of art.
Students will examine, read and listed to multiple works of art
1b) Analyze/interpret form and meaning and 1c) Apply discipline- based vocabulary
Students will present, describe and analyze artwork both orally (presentations) and in
writing (short analytical commentary during exams and a ten-page research paper. All oral
and written analysis will use appropriate vocabulary as encountered throughout the
semester .
Students will acquire:
- an appreciation of the interconnection between art, literature and history as
mutually influential and referential
- the ability to recognize specific artistic styles, identify them historically and
geographically, and analyze them using expanded and appropriate vocabulary
- an understanding of different methodologies and approaches to research and
inquiry.
1d) Explore the artistic piece’s significance within appropriate contexts
Connecting literature, art and music with a historical background provides not only the
tools for interpretation of the culture at any specific point, but also a better way for students
to retain and personalize the material. Under this perspective, art music and literature
illustrate history.
Students will acquire:
- an appreciation of
- An understanding of the sequence of events both artistic and historical
The course is particularly indicated for students intending to study abroad in Italy, for art
history students who are able to specifically focus on Italian art, and for Italian Studies
minors. It should also be of interest to History students, who would learn how to revise
their existing historical knowledge through an artistic and literary perspective.
2) ASSESSMENT
Students are tested for factual knowledge (Midterm and Final), for written analytical ability
(papers), for the ability to present a topic orally (presentation), and for the capacity to
organize and connect information (class summaries).
These four modes of assessment are necessary to prepare students to not only know how to
appreciate and approach art, but also talk and write about art, while building a strong set of
historical and factual references.