Italian 350 - Topic: Children's Literature

This course explores the development of gender roles, gender narratives, and patterns and metaphors of society through books and short stories aimed at children and young adults. Readings include classics such as Basile's Pentamerone, Collodi's Pinocchio and DeAmicis' Cuore, and less-known works by Salgari, Baccini, Capuana, Vamba and Rodari. We will also examine the evolution of children's textbooks (with particular attention given to fascist schoolbooks), children's magazines, and the media.