A course analyzing the effects of objectification and the male gaze on the cinematic representations of sexuality, romance, and queer cultures, all in the context of Italian history, politics, and biopolitics. In this class, we will focus on sexual politics, and on sexualized politics, as represented in Italian cinema, in particular by women directors (a rarity of sorts in the landscape of the Italian cinema, and beyond) and queer directors. The larger questions that will be discussed include: How is sexuality politicized? How is politics romanticized? What are the major factors, agents, and ideas that have contributed, and may continue to do so, in the making and unmaking of sexual politics in modern Italian society and how do films represent such ideas? How has the feminist movement developed, or not, in Italy? Has the so-called “male gaze” been a significantly powerful force, finding its way even into the minds of radical female directors who claim to reject it? (Not offered 2024-25).

1 unit

No offerings are currently scheduled.