To hyphenate or not? You may have noticed that scholars of Italian American literature use various kinds of punctuation to express their view of the interrelationship between two ethnic cultures:

Italian American Literature

ENG 360: Italian American Literature Final Paper Choice #1 Topic: To hyphenate or not? You may have noticed that scholars of Italian American literature use various kinds of punctuation to express their view of the interrelationship between two ethnic cultures: Italian-American, Italian/American, Italian American. You started thinking about this topic in Week 10 when you explained Tina De Rosa’s use of the hyphen (and you all did such a great job then). The Debate In his introduction to The Italian American Heritage, Pellegrino D’Acierno claims that these variations are “a clear indication that the designation is itself under question and in flux within Italian American culture at large.

Italian American Literature

The marking or unmarking of the term is, in effect, a declaration of one’s attitude toward ethnic and self identification.” He reminds us that an early term “Italo-American” is no longer used because of it was a sign of colonization. He considers the traditional form, Italian-American, as problematic because it highlights the identity of Italian-Americans as hyphenated Americans. Further, he explains, “the hyphen. . . is a graphic marker of a fractured and incomplete identity, not necessarily the sign of a rich bicultural self.” He prefers to remove the hyphen and put “in its place a gap that maintains a respectful silence.”

Italian American Literature

Another scholar, Anthony Tamburri, “introduces the aggressive mark of the slash that activates all the contradictions at work in the hybrid identity of the Italian/American, thereby effecting a radical disturbance in the traditional equations.” Your Essay For this essay, you will first read the literature on this topic. Then, you will discuss which way you have chosen to represent the two words, Italian and American, and present reasons for your choice. The following essays about this topic are in the “Supplementary” menu button as pdfs: Pellegrino D’Acierno, “Introduction” to The Italian American Heritage (see pgs xl-xli) Thomas Belmonte, “The Contradictions of Italian American Identity: An Anthropologist’s Personal View.”

Italian American Literature

(see pg 14) Anthony Tamburri, “Rethinking the Italian/American Writer” In your introduction, describe the scholarly debate on the topic make sure you have a clear thesis statement that informs readers of your choice. In your body, present your reasons and evidence for your choice. You may use any of the literature and essays we’ve read this entire semester. Explore, explain, and describe what your form may mean. Be persuasive. Imagine writing to one of the authors who holds an opinion which differs from yours and convincing him or her to use your method. Don’t forget a conclusion. 3-5 pages (use Times New Roman, 12 pt. in Word).

Italian American Literature

Steps to Completing this Essay Week 12-13 Read the essays and take extensive notes on the selected pages. Reread the Discussion Board question on Tina DeRosa’s use of the hyphen. Week 14: Submit a 3-4 page draft Week 15: Submit your final revision. https://youtu.be/Hy1GSPwyzqs.  Include a reflection paragraph on your revision process. Final Paper Choice #2 For this final paper, you are required to read an author of your own choosing, or watch a film, both of which should have Italian American themes. Consult the class DB for the themes, or review the course material. You may read a collection of poetry or a few short stories by the same author, a play, a novel, an autobiography, or watch a film.

Italian American Literature

You may read an author you came across this semester (but it has to be something the class was not assigned to read) or you can be adventurous and use the suggestions or web resources below and find your own. With this course in mind, read the author’s work or watch the film. Note any forms of italianità or any of the themes we discussed. Then, write a 3-5 page paper in which you: ● Briefly tell us who the author/ director is ● Briefly summarize the story, play, or film (for poetry, discuss the overall theme of the collection) ● For the summary, you should refer to setting, time period, characters, and the central conflicts, or how the story progresses

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