The Mafia from its Origins to the Present Day - LAN00133H

Department: Language and Linguistic Science
Credit value: 20 credits
Credit level: H
Academic year of delivery: 2025-26

Module summary

The module explores the characteristics of the Sicilian mafia from its origin to the present. It will focus on key moments and events that have shaped Italy and have become part of its collective memory. It will explore key questions such as the different interpretation of the word “mafia”, the reasons why mafia developed in Sicily and how it spread in the United States, and its cultural, political and economical aspects.

Related modules

Elective Pre-Requisites

These pre-requisites only apply to students taking this module as an elective.

Italian Language and Cultures: Advanced or equivalent level of language proficiency.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

The module aims to provide an overview and understanding of the phenomenon of mafia in Sicily. The module asks questions such as: why mafia developed in the South of Italy? Is mafia a mentality or simply a criminal organisation? What is the connection between the mafia and politics? Why is it so difficult to defeat?

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will demonstrate:

detailed knowledge and understanding of the set texts and additional multimedia materials (e.g. digital resources, including videos, films, TV programmes);
knowledge and understanding of the Sicilian mafia,
ability to undertake independent study and personal research on the topics discussed;
ability to develop increased confidence and advanced accuracy in the production of written and spoken Italian;
enhanced skills in critical reading, writing and analysis.

Module content

Main topics covered might include:

The meanings of the word “mafia”
The origins of the mafia
Mafia during the Mussolini era
The “Sack of Palermo”
Sicilian and American mafia
The heroin business
The First Mafia War
The Second Mafia War
The murders of Falcone and Borsellino

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Feedback on summative assessment will be returned according to the university feedback turnaround time.

Indicative reading

A full reading list will be provided by the tutor. The selection of key texts will be based on the key themes discussed in the module.