Embark on a chronological and thematic grand tour of Rome through its cinematic representations, where history and artistry converge in films that have captivated audiences worldwide. In this course, we will explore Rome’s portrayal on the big screen, from historical epics to modern masterpieces like Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Great Beauty.” These films offer a stunning visual palimpsest through which we may understand Rome’s place in the Italian, European, and American consciousness. Featuring classics from the 1920s as well as groundbreaking neorealist films like Rossellini’s “Rome, Open City” and contemporary gems, this cinematic tour is a testament to Rome’s enduring allure and influence. Join us to uncover the legacy of Rome’s cinematic grandeur and its impact on the global stage. Course materials and film links will be readily accessible, ensuring a rich educational experience.
Recommended Reading
- Ferdinand Addis, The Eternal City (2018): An outstanding (and very readable!) source for the overall history of the time periods that our films represent with an excellent concluding chapter about cinematic Rome, called “The Parade: Federico Fellini and La Dolce Vita.”
- Additional articles and chapters will be posted the week before each meeting.
- Please note that you do not have to complete the optional readings to participate in and enjoy our discussions.
Meet Your Instructor
CYNTHIA WHITE is a Professor Emerita in Classics at the University of Arizona and has published widely on Latin pedagogy, Greek and Latin Epithalamia, medieval Latin bestiaries, and Rome’s material culture. Her works include Sublime Cosmos in Greco-Roman Literature and Its Reception, The Emergence of Christianity, and From the Ark to the Pulpit: The Northumberland Bestiary. Dr. White has received numerous awards and has organized an annual academic tour of Italy for many years.
Location
POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States
Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.
