Accessibility statement

The Role of Art in Italian Society - LAN00036I

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The course will explore the role of art within Italian society throughout history, from the Roman times to the present day. Students will acquire a good knowledge of the history of Italian art, while reflecting on the centrality of its role in Italian culture and will gain a better understanding of recent Government policies and of the intricate relation between State and Church in the conservation of historical and artistic heritage.

Related modules

Pre-requisite module

Understanding Italian-speaking Cultures and Societies.

Open as an elective for students with equivalent level in Italian.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The module will explore the role of art within Italian society throughout history, from the Roman times to the present day. Students will acquire a good knowledge of the history of Italian art, while reflecting on the centrality of its role in Italian culture and will gain a better understanding of recent government policies and of the intricate relation between State and Church in the conservation of historical and artistic heritage.

The module will:

  • Explore the role of art within Italian society throughout history, from the pre Roman times to the present day with a particular focus on Greek and Roman archaeology & Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Fascist art and architecture.

  • Illustrate the concept of heritage protection e.g. conservazione dei beni culturali, museificazione etc.

  • Analyse the link between glorification and mystification of Italian art and artists (e.g Leonardo da Vinci etc) and their impact in the perception of Italian art abroad and within Italy.

  • Explain the birth and development of the legislative framework of heritage protection laws in Italy e.g. the Codice dei Beni Culturali.

  • Examine the many controversies surrounding heritage protection in contemporary Italy and their impact in the modern Italian society e.g. restrictions applied to historical centres with heritage values.

  • Analyse specific case studies regarding heritage conservation issues in Italy (from the impact of modern urban development to emergency situations such as earthquakes and natural disasters).

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to :

  • Demonstrate knowledge of historical concepts and key figures of history of art in Italy.

  • Recognize the role of art in shaping Italian history and modern society.

  • Develop an understanding of the relationship between art appreciation and the development of Italian society past and present.

  • Understand complex written and aural authentic materials related to Italian cultural heritage and art.

  • Present and develop arguments effectively in both spoken and written Italian.

  • Achieve a good level of accuracy in the production of both written and spoken Italian.

Module content

Module content detail

  • 3 one-hour seminars per week

  • Independent study in the form of preparation for class discussion is an essential part of students’ commitment

  • Particular emphasis is given to the development of analytical and critical skills through the study of authentic materials

  • The module is taught and assessed in Italian.

The topics covered might include:

  • Elementi di storia dell’arte e archeologia italiana

  • Classificazione di Beni culturali materiali (mobili e immobili) e immateriali

  • Il problema dei beni culturali ecclesiastici e la relazione tra lo Stato e la Chiesa cattolica

  • Storia della legislazione dei beni culturali e ambientali

  • Mistificazione e glorificazione dell’arte

  • Conservazione, valorizzazione e fruizione del patrimonio culturale

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 40

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 40

Module feedback

Formative assessment and feedback

  • Formative tasks done individually or in groups throughout the module

  • Feedback will include written comments and oral feedback during class discussions.

Summative assessment and feedback

Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

In additional to the bespoke booklet provided for the module, extracts from the following reading:

  • Codice dei beni culturali e del paesaggio 2004

  • Vasari, Le vite

  • Sebastiani, Pagnottini & Giacobbi, Orietta Civilta` italiana: testo di conversazione e cultura per stranieri.

  • Angelino & Porreca, Progetto Cultura Italiana: L'Italiano Attraverso la Storia Dell'Arte

  • Fantozzi & Lolli, Beni culturali, ambiente, paesaggio

  • Mirri, La cultura del bello. Le ragioni della tutela. Studi di legislazione dei beni culturali

  • Chenis, Tutelare il bello. I beni culturali della Chiesa a rischio: problemi e criteri di salvaguardia


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.