IT3LDI: Language, Diversity, and Inclusion: The representation of the otherness in Italian context

Module code: IT3LDI

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Federico Faloppa, email: f.faloppa@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of how concepts like identity, otherness, inclusion, and exclusion have been articulated and transmitted though language in time, with a specific focus on the Italian language and its varieties. Students will approach concepts like identity, diversity, ‘normality’, othering, stereotype, ethnocentrism, ethnonym and heteronym through an interdisciplinary perspective combining linguistics and history of the language, anthropology, and social history. With particular attention to the Italian context, and by analysing case studies, students will look at issues of nationalism and national stereotyping, religious and ethnic diversity, colonization and de-colonization, representation of minorities, media representation of migrants and foreigners, gender, political correctness, cancel culture, and ‘inclusive language’. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a solid knowledge of Italian history through the study of ethnonyms and heteronyms, and employ ethodological tools for in-depth historical investigation
2. Critically examine anthropological and social concepts key to 21st century societies, and analyse current issues related to discrimination and social inclusion in the Peninsula and beyond
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how ‘diversity’ and ‘normality’ have been construed through language over time, and an awareness of how stereotypes about minorities have been consolidated and used over time
4. Cse research skills, including the ability to design and conduct original research, the retrieval of information, the organisation of material, and the evaluation of its importance; and organise complex information in order to construct and defend a coherently presented argument both in writing and in in-class oral presentations

Module content

Lessons will be devoted to acquiring analytical frameworks, examining a range of case studies in order to understand how ‘identity’, ‘diversity’, and ‘normality’ have been construed through lexicon and language, and applying interdisciplinary methodologies and analytical skills to design original research.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught through a combination of formal lectures, seminars, and research project supervision, for which students will carry out preparatory reading. Seminars will be delivered in structured group discussions. 

Study hours

At least 30 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.