HSIT 380i: Cosa nostra: Cinema and History of the (Anti)Mafia

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HSIT 380i: Cosa nostra: Cinema and History of the (Anti)Mafia
Course Syllabus
Spring 2017
Instructor: Elgin K. Eckert, Ph.D.
Credits: 4
Contact Hours: 60 (45 hours + 15 hours Italian section)
Prerequisites: Intermediate Italian Proficiency (one year of college level Italian or more)
Cross-listed: History, Film, Italian Language, Italian Interdisciplinary Studies, Cultural Studies
Class Meetings: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:45pm-3:15pm, Italian Section: Wednesdays, 10:50-11:50am
Office Hours: Mondays, 10am-12pm
Lab Fee: 15 €
Course Description
This hybrid history and cinema course provides an in-depth examination of Cosa nostra through a historical,
social, and cultural perspective. The course will trace the progression of the Sicilian mafia from the Risorgimento
to the present day, also considering the migration of this group into the United States. The fiction – stereotypes,
myths and legends – surrounding the mafia will be examined through a scrupulous analysis of some of the most
important American and Italian films portraying mafia culture.
One of the important parts of this course will consist of a discussion on important protagonists in the fight
against the mafia and collaborations between Italian and US law enforcement in their efforts to defeat
transatlantic organized crime. The service learning project of this course will reinforce the classroom lessons on
this particular subject.
Students in the i-section of this course will read about and discuss topics related especially to the Sicilian mafia.
They will also read and analyze excerpts from contemporary Italian literature (Andrea Camilleri and Leonardo
Sciascia) dealing with the course topic.
Service Learning Project Description
The association Libera. Associations, names and numbers against mafias was established in 1995 with the purpose of
involving and supporting all those who are interested in the fight against mafias and organized crime. Libera is
presently a network of more than 1,200 associations, groups and schools, committed to build(ing) up
organizational synergies between local political and cultural realities capable of promoting a culture of lawfulness.
Students in this course will interact with the local and the global community, sharing insights gained about the
history of the (Anti)Mafia as well as reflect critically on the Mafia’s portrayal in Hollywood and Italian films.
Students will use the hashtag #antimafianewmedia and/or the Facebook group (Anti)Mafia Reflections to
comment on these issues throughout the course. In order to raise awareness, a guest lecturer from Libera will
come to talk to students about the association’s history, especially about Italian Law n. 109/96, which hands over
properties seized from Mafiosi to co-operations such as Libera. This law is one very concrete example in which
criminal activity can be counteracted.
As part of the service learning component, students will be asked to raise awareness in the Umbra community
about the mafia’s power and history, organizing an evening event during which an anti-mafia documentary will
be screened and products from Libera Terra’s line of organic products produced on properties confiscated from
the mafia will be tasted. Students will be asked in final service learning assignment to reflect upon their
experience with Libera and the social media.
Course Objectives
Students in this course will:
 have developed a basic understanding of Cosa nostra, its origins, growth and persistence
 be able to relate historical facts about the mafia to a broader Italian and American context
 be able to compare and contrast the Italian and American mafia
 develop an interdisciplinary understanding of a specific aspect of Italian and US history
 acquire a sufficient appreciation of the representation of the mafia in cinematic popular culture
 be able to relate films to their specific sociological and historical contexts
 have improved their ability to think critically about the impact of the Mafia on society (both in
history and today)
Additional Objectives for the i-Section:
Students in the Italian section, in addition to the above objectives will:
 become confident in discussing topics related to history and cinema in Italian
 improve their written communication about history cinema in Italian
 improve their listening comprehension
 discuss recent Italian historical, social and political events related to course materials in depth
 read excerpts from contemporary novels, one entire short novel, and several pieces of fiction and
non-fiction in Italian
Materials
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra: A History of the Sicilian mafia. London: 2007.
Course reader containing selected secondary readings from:
 Pickering-Iazzi, Robin. Mafia and Outlaw Stories from Italian Life and Literature. Toronto: Univ of T, 2007.
 Renga, Dana. Mafia Movies: A Reader. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2011.
 Reppetto, Thomas. American Mafia: A History of its Rise to Power.New York: Holt, 2004.
 Stille, Alexander. Excellent Cadavers: The Mafia and the Death of the First Italian Republic. New York: Pantheon,
1995.
Materials i-Section:
 Camilleri, Andrea. Par condicio (racconto breve)
 Nicaso, Antonio. La mafia spiegata ai ragazzi. Milano: Mondadori, 2010.
 Sciascia, Leonardo. Il giorno della civetta (selezioni)
Films
The Untouchables – Evening Screening
Godfather I – Evening Screening
Godfather II (selections)
Goodfellas
I cento passi (The Hundred Steps)
Donnie Brasco– Evening Screening
Excellent Cadavers
La mafia uccide solo in estate (The Mafia only Kills in Summer)
The Sopranos (TV series, selections)
Films Italian Section
Montalbano: Par condicio
Alla luce del sole
Bibliography (on reserve in the Umbra Institute Library)
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra: A History of the Sicilian mafia. London: 2007.
Newark, Timothy. Mafia Allies: The True Story of America's Secret Alliance with the Mob in World War II. St. Paul, MN:
Zenith, 2007.
Pickering-Iazzi, Robin. Mafia and Outlaw Stories from Italian Life and Literature. Toronto: University of
Toronto Press, 2007.
Raab, Selwyn. Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires. New York:
Thomas Dunne, 2005.
Renga, Dana. Mafia Movies: A Reader. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2011.
Reppetto, Thomas. American Mafia: A History of its Rise to Power. New York: Holt, 2004.
Stille, Alexander. Excellent Cadavers: The Mafia and the Death of the First Italian Republic. New York: Pantheon, 1995
Attendance
Class attendance is mandatory. Students are allowed two “free” absences, which they do not need to justify in
any way. Each additional absence, unless for a very serious reason, will lower the student’s grade by one level
(e.g., B+ becomes a B). If a student misses class, it is his/her responsibility to obtain class notes from other
students and/or for meeting the professor during the office hour. It also the policy of the Institute that any
student who has eight or more absences automatically fails the class.
Please Note: Presence during mandatory field trips is especially important for student performance in this
class. Missing a mandatory field trip, unless for a very serious reason that is communicated to Umbra staff in a
timely manner, will lower students’ final grade by one grade level (e.g., a final grade of a B+ would be lowered to
a B).
Grading (75% of Final Grade)
Grades will be awarded on the basis of an in-class midterm examination, a final in-class examination, one short
paper (4-5 pages), a student presentation, participation in the service learning project including a 4-5 page
reflective paper, five quizzes (based on readings), and class preparation and participation. This course will be
taught as a lecture course with frequent group discussions and film screenings. Thus, students are expected to
complete the assigned readings before class and to actively contribute to the class discussion.
Preparation and Participation
1 Paper
Student Reports
5 Quizzes (unannounced beforehand)
Service Learning Project
Midterm
Final Exam
10%
10%
10%
20 %
20%
15%
15%
i-Section Grading (25% of Final Grade)
Preparation and Participation
4 Written Reflections
Midterm Quiz in Italian
Final Quiz in Italian
30%
40%
15%
15%
Letter
Grade
Range
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Numerical
Score
Equivalent
93% - 100%
90% - 92%
87% -89%
83% - 86%
80% - 82%
77% - 79%
73% - 76%
70% - 72%
67% - 69%
63% - 66%
60% - 62%
59% or less
Student
Performance
Exceptional
Excellent
Superior
Satisfactory
Low Pass
Fail (no credit)
Course Content Note
Because of the material covered in this course, we will be discussing subjects that may be disturbing, even
traumatizing, to some students. Some of the films screened in this course contain scenes of graphic violence
and/or murder, both in fictitious and in historical contexts.
Students who anticipate discomfort while screening these films should familiarize themselves with the plot
before class, and then sit near an exit so that, when necessary, they may step out of the room for a few minutes.
Removing yourself for a moment is perfectly fine, and you may always do so without academic penalty. You will,
however, be responsible for any material you miss. If you do leave the room for a significant time, please make
arrangements to get notes from another student or see me individually to discuss the situation.
Week 1
Jan. 16
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Introduction to the Course
Organization of the Mafia
Myths and Origins of the Mafia
The Risorgimento and the Rise of the Sicilian Mafia
Jan. 18
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First emergence of the Mafia in the United States
the Black Hand
the Five Points Gang
David Hennesy, New Orleans
Joe Petrosino, NYC
Readings:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra: Introduction, 1-9; Joe Petrosino. 195-212
Italian Section:
 Introduction to i-section
 Immigrati italiani e l’inizio di una cultura italo-americana
Week 2
Jan. 23
 Italian immigrants in the US in the early 1900s
 Francis Ford Coppola Godfather II (selections)
An Important Note on Film Screenings
You must treat each film screening as you would a reading. You are expected to be an active viewer, looking for
historical, political, economic, social, cultural, narrative, and aesthetic meaning. You must take notes on every
film you see. For each film, you are expected to be able to analyze the characters, themes, film techniques,
narrative organization, historical significance, relation to history/film history, etc.
Readings:
Reppetto, Thomas. American Mafia chapter 1, 2
TUESDAY, JAN. 24:
Jan. 25


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
EVENING SCREENING OF BRIAN DE PALMA’S THE UNTOUCHABLES
Discussion of Brian De Palma’s film The Untouchables
The Rise of the US mafia
Prohibition
Al Capone
Reading:
Bouchard, Norma.“Between Postmodern Parody and Generic Hybridization: The Gangsters of Brian De
Palma’s the Untouchables”. Mafia Movies: A Reader. Ed. Dana Renga. University of Toronto Press,
2011. 126–133.
Italian Section:
 Che cos’è la mafia?
Com’è organizzata la mafia?
 Quando nasce la mafia
 Che cosa significa la parola mafia?
Reading:
Nicaso La mafia pp. 9-19
Week 3
Jan. 30
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Al Capone (cont.)
Film Techniques
The Mafia on Film
Reading:
Reppetto, Thomas. American Mafia chapter 6, 7
Feb. 1
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The Fascist Ventennio
Benito Mussolini and World War II
Fascist Suppression of the Mafia
Cesare Mori, the Iron Prefect
Lucky Luciano (cont.)
Reading:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra: The Man with Hair on his Heart. 171-192.
Italian Section:
 il vocabolario del cinema
 Leonardo Sciascia: lo scrittore siciliano
Reading:
Leonardo Sciascia Il giorno della civetta incipit
Scrittura 1:
Riflessioni su Sciascia
Week 4
Feb. 6
 Lucky Luciano
 Operation Husky
Reading:
Tim Newark “Pact with the Devil” in American History, April 2007.
MONDAY, FEB. 6:
Feb. 8
 Discussion of The Godfather
 Lucky Luciano (cont.)
EVENING SCREENING OF FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S GODFATHER I
Readings:
Anthony Julian Tamburri Michael Corleone’s Tie: Francis Ford Coppola’s’ The Godfather.’ Mafia Movies: A Reader.
Dana Renga, ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2011. 94-101.
Italian Section:
 La mafia nella letteratura italiana
 Andrea Camilleri
 La “cosca”
 I giovani nella mafia
Reading:
Andrea Camilleri Par condicio p. 18-20
Week 5
Feb. 13
 Italian Politics after WWII: the PCI and the DC
 Bandito Giuliano
 Placido Rizzotto
 Sack of Palermo
 The First Mafia War
 The 1970’s in Italy
Reading:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra: The Last Bandit. 260-268. The Sack of Palermo. pp. 277-288
Like Chicago in the Twentieth. pp. 309-318
Feb 15
 Screening of Marco Tullio Giordano’s I cento passi (beginning)
Reading:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra: The Antimafia. 319- 324; Death of a Leftist Fanatic, The Pizza Connection. pp. 344361
Italian Section:
 Discussione del racconto breve di Andrea Camilleri: Par condicio (cont)
 Film: Montalbano Par condicio (in italiano con sottotitoli in italiano)
Reading:
Andrea Camilleri Par condicio p. 20-26
Week 6
Feb. 20
 Screening of Marco Tullio Giordano’s I cento passi (cont.)
Reading:
Felicia Impastato Testimony
Small, Pauline. “Giordana’s I cento passi: renegotiating the Mafia codes” in New Cinemas: Journal of Contemporary Film
vol. 3(1), pp. 41-54 (marked selections)
Feb. 22
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The Commission in the US and the US Mafia in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s
The RICO Act
Mafia Commission Trial
information gathering: pentiti
the Emergence of the Corleonesi
pre-lecture discussion and preparation of questions to ask
Reading:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra pp. 367-396
Italian Section:
 Peppino Impastato
 Discussione del racconto breve di Andrea Camilleri: Par condicio (cont.)
 Film: Montalbano Par condicio (in italiano con sottotitoli in italiano)
Reading:
Andrea Camilleri Par condicio 26-30
Scrittura 2:
Riflessioni sul racconto e film Par condicio
Week 7
Feb. 27
GUEST LECTURE: LIBERA. ASSOCIATIONS, NAMES AND NUMBERS AGAINST MAFIAS
Mar. 1
In-class Midterm
Italian Section:
Midterm Quiz in italiano
Week 8
Mar. 13
 Screening of Goodfellas
Mar. 15
 Screening of Goodfellas (cont.)
 Discussion of Goodfellas
Reading:
Fulvio Orsitto. “Martin Scorsese’s GoodFellas: Hybrid Storytelling between Realism and Formalism”
Italian Section:
 le donne nella mafa
 guerra tra mafiosi
 il pizzo
Reading:
Week 9
Mar. 20
 The Second Mafia War
 The Anti-Mafia Pool
 Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa
 Rocco Chinnici
Reading:
Alexander Stille. Excellent Cadavers, pp. 60-86
TUESDAY, MARCH 21:
EVENING SCREENING OF MIKE NEWELL’S DONNIE BRASCO
Mar. 22
 Discussion of Donnie Brasco
 Giovanni Falcone
 Paolo Borsellino
 Tommaso Buscetta
Reading:
Alexander Stille. Excellent Cadavers, pp. 87-133
Italian Section:
 il pentito e collaboratori di giustizia
 la scorta
 Tommaso Buscetta
Reading:
Week 10
Mar. 27
 The Mafia’s War on the Government
 The Maxi Trial
 The Capaci Bomb and after Capaci
 Screening of Excellent Cadavers
Reading:
Alexander Stille. Excellent Cadavers, 154-189
Mar. 29
STUDENT REPORTS





Politics and Mafia
Salvo Lima
Giulio Andreotti
The Vatican and the Mafia
Screening of Excellent Cadavers (cont.)
Reading:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra pp. 362-366, 397-425
Italian Section:
 Giovanni Falcone
 Paolo Borsellino
 Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa
Reading:
Ricerca e Scrittura 3:
Una vittima di mafia
Week 11
Apr. 3
 In-class Work on Community Engagement presentation
Reading:
Spazzini, Maddalena. “Marco Turco’s Excellent Cadavers: An Italian Tragedy”.
Apr. 5
 The Mafia Commission Trial in the New York City
 NYC “Teflon Don” John Gotti
 The Mafia in the USA today
Italian Section:
 Don Pino Puglisi
 Film: Alla luce del sole (in italiano con sottotitoli in italiano)
Reading:
Week 12
Apr. 10
 Bernardo Provenzano
 Matteo Messina Denaro and the Modern Mafia
 Screening of La mafia uccide solo in estate (The Mafia only Kills in Summer) beginning
Reading:
Dickie, John. Cosa nostra pp. 426-443, 447-459
Apr. 12
 Screening of La mafia uccide solo in estate (The Mafia only Kills in Summer) cont.
Reading:
John Dickie Cosa nostra 418-425
Evening: Service Learning Project - Screening of Documentary and Tasting
Italian Section:
 Don Pino Puglisi
 Film: Alla luce del sole (in italiano con sottotitoli in italiano) cont.
Scrittura 4:
Riflessioni sul film Alla luce del sole
Week 13
Apr. 17 Easter Monday, no class
Apr. 19
 Short Paper due
 Screening of The Sopranos (selections)
Reading:
Toscano, Aaron A. “Tony Soprano As The American Everyman And Scoundrel: How The Sopranos
(Re)Presents Contemporary Middle-Class Anxieties.” Journal of Popular Culture 47.3 (2014): 451-469.
Italian Section:
Quiz finale in italiano
Apr. 24-27
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRESENTATIONS DURING SPECIAL ACADEMIC EVENTS WEEK
FINAL EXAM: DATE AND TIME TBA

HSIT 380i: Cosa nostra: Cinema and History of the (Anti)Mafia

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