Ambiguous Borders: Identity in Rome and Italy
5 credits
Julie Villegas, Honors Program
Throughout their history, Romans have been interested in boundaries, entries and gateways, both psychological and physical. We will look at “border” as both a metaphor and as a physical manifestation of culture in both in ancient and modern Rome. Students will continue to explore the ambiguity of the border, identity politics, and the concept of “Other” in Rome by traveling outside of Rome to visit the cities of Florence and Naples and experience first-hand the historical and stereotypical divisions between Italy’s north and south.
We will explore these general questions:
Where are the covert and overt borders in Rome? (physical, psychological, cultural, and national borders).
How is “insider” or “outsider” status determined?
Borders are at the same time becoming more rigid and also more fluid. What are the dynamics behind this and how is this fluidity and ambiguity expressed in art, literature, monuments and memorials?
In addition, students will have the opportunity to create independent research projects and explore specific interests linked to the larger themes of the class.
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