Sicilian Writers in Syracuse, Italy

Fairfield University Study Abroad - Your Passport to the World

March 7-16, 2008 (Dates Tentative)

Sicily is the ideal laboratory for the study of the humanities. The island's strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it the target of military conquest throughout the ages. Before becoming unified with the rest of Italy in the nineteenth century, Sicily passed from Greek colonists to Roman governors, from Byzantine patriarchs and Arabic emirs to Norman lords and the royal houses of Spain and France. The city of Syracuse, where the writers' course is based, boasts a wealth of archaeological and architectural remains that reflect the diverse historical and literary narratives of Sicily.

Sicily also occupies a distinctive place in the Italian imagination, for it embodies the paradox of infinite possibility and beauty with debilitating poverty and corruption. This course considers the contribution of Sicilian writers to the cultural, political, and literary development of the island. As background to our examination of the modern literary tradition, we will examine Sicily's importance in the works of classical antiquity, followed by a study of the contributions of the court of Frederick II to medieval poetry. As we explore the places and monuments that constitute an integral part of Sicilian writers' imaginations, we will consider the political, linguistic, and poetic ideas that make these works not only significant in a historical context, but continue to challenge and inform today's debates regarding Sicily's relationship with the mainland.

Fairfield University is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which credits schools and colleges in the six New England states.

IT LM 250 Sicilian Writers in Syracuse

The course includes site visits to local monuments, temples, and amphitheaters. Students experience first-hand the ruggedly beautiful terrain of Sicily that serves as both inspiration and curse to its native writers. Students read short stories, novels, and plays by modern authors such as Verga, Pirandello, Lampedusa, Sciascia, Vittorini, and Camilleri, and analyze the cinematic adaptations of several of these works. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the physical and cultural characteristics of Sicily evoked by this island's writers. The representation of America in the works of modern Sicilian writers is also examined.

The course, which is conducted in English, fulfills the core requirement in literature and counts towards the minor in Italian Studies as well as towards the major in Italian language and literature. Students proficient in Italian are encouraged to read the texts in the original language.

Classes are held at the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences on the isle of Ortigia, the oldest part of Syracuse, which is located in southeastern Sicily on the Ionian coast, about one hour south of Catania. Syracuse's history mirrors that of the island as a whole, with its architectural diversity and archaeological riches. Founded as a Greek seaport in 733 BCE, Syracuse gradually gained supremacy over the other cities of Sicily, surpassing even Athens to become a cosmopolitan, yet essentially Hellenic, center. It was home to the great mathematician Archimedes and, for several years, to the Greek philosopher Plato. 3 credits

Students will give oral presentations on their final topics in class on Friday and prepare a final independent study paper to be submitted by April 1.

Faculty

Professor Mary Ann Carolan, director of the Italian Studies Program and associate professor of modern languages & literatures, teaches courses on Italian literature, film, and language and has published articles on a wide variety of subjects in Italian culture. Dr. Carolan has lived and studied in Florence, Rome, and northern Italy.

Site visits:

• Walking tour of Ortigia and Syracuse, visits to Duomo & Temple of Apollo, Archeological Museum and park, castle of Frederick II (guided tour with art historians and/or archeologist)
• Taormina/Mount Etna
• Agrigento and surrounding towns
• Palermo

Housing

Students will be housed in a three-star hotel near the sea. Lodging is double occupancy. Breakfast and dinners are included.

Program Cost: TBA (last year's price: $2,500)

Includes:

• Tuition for three Fairfield University undergraduate credits
• Housing in shared accommodations near the sea
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Roundtrip group transportation from Catania to Syracuse for group flight passengers
• Insurance

Airfare is not included. Seats will be reserved on a group flight from JFK to Catania through STA Travel. Purchase your ticket directly from STA (or independently, if you wish). The group flight will depart on March 9 and return on March 18.

Application Deadline:
December 1, 2007

Application and Instructions

Program deposit of $500 due with application
Balance due January 15, 2008