Rome: A Portrait in Film and Literature

“A great city is, to be sure, the school for studying life.”

—Samuel Johnson

Rome… at once the ancient capital of an empire and modern capital of the world… seat of the Catholic Church surrounded by temples and monuments to the Roman gods… a city with thousands of years of history living and breathing in its aqueducts and abutting buildings, compressed and bound together, creating a unique mosaic in some kind of cohesive whole… What more intriguing and mysterious locale to inspire writers. In this writing-based, thematic course, we will explore the character of the “place” of Rome as we walk its physical and temporal landscape. We’ll dive into relevant literature and film inspired by or situated in the city of Rome. For instance, we’ll read Bryon and Keats on the Spanish Steps, then cross the street to the imaginary café (near the actual Café Greco, where the Romantic Poets held court) where Tom Ripley played his cat and mouse game in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Atop the Palatine in Edith Wharton’s “Roman Fever,” or on a Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. We’ll consider Mark Twain’s impressions of Rome then juxtapose to Elizabeth Bowen and Natalia Ginzberg’s. We’ll cruise the catacombs of Rome with the Vampire Lestat, and more! Ultimately, through writing, each student will construct their own sense of Rome, its place, its mystery, its secrets, its nightmares and dreams.

Requirements:

A) Extensive Journal work is essential for this course. As we “tour” both the physical and literary/filmic landscapes I will offer a variety of prompts to initiate your journal responses. However, the journal is your tool, the key to you painting your own portrait of Rome in words. You first and foremost must employ the 5 W’s and 5 Senses, recording fully your impressions. Therefore, for each work considered, you will dissect that work on the page as well as allow for elicit meanderings sparked by that work. We will conduct “field” exercises where you will engage Rome’s hidden treasures, landmarks, and streets as seen through the double lens of a particular writer/filmmaker. Whatever you note in your journal, you must reflect on and respond to, elaborating and probing your own observations. Some observations may, in elaboration, take the shape of essays, bits of fiction, and even poems. If you elect to include photographs or sketches in your journal, you must also dissect in words employing the 5 W’s and 5 Senses. Your final project may incorporate slivers of various media, but its essence will be writing, either in the form of an academic essay, personal/expository essay, or work of fiction (other media require my approval). I will conference with you, discussing and reviewing your journal. The journal is an outgrowth of the fertile bed of your imagination and ultimately your keepsake and memento of your journey to Rome. Apply this rubric to your journal as a minimum (and for those needing more specific guidance): 1) First-read automatic/freewriting—whatever comes out. Don’t censor; 2) Observation (5W’s/Senses and 1H) and/or for specific text (synopsis, 5W’s and 1H); 3) Distinct formal elements (action, setting, character, symbol, theme, style, etc.); 4) Historical context (if applicable); Contemporary relevance, personal and in society-at- large; 5) Intended audience, the “crowd”, spectator and spectacle, and so on. Just think: Leonardo Da Vinci wrote and drew thousands of pages of such material. First, however, he began with concrete observation, from which the examined life worth living springs. And so too shall we. 20% of your grade. B) Two Writing Assignments: critical essay, personal/expository essay, and/or short story (other genre require my approval). In each you must speak to the “place” of Rome you envision or would imagine, walking its streets or alighting on its skyline. Also, you must engage in some form or fashion at least three of the primary works considered in the course. You will partner up and exchange your work with at least two of your classmates in a mini-workshop format. I will play an active role in these workshops as well. Of these three assignments, you will select one as the basis for your final project. 40% of your grade. C) Final Project/Piece. After your mini-workshops, and conferencing with me, you will expand on one of your two writing assignments (or in a new direction with my approval) as your cumulative work. Your goal: to envision and produce a substantial piece of either scholastic or creative (non-fiction or fiction) writing (other genre require my approval) that is at once authentic and original. 25% of your grade. D) Cover Letter/Reflective Essay on your experience due at course end. 15% of your grade.

Texts:

Course packet to include selections by Virgil, Bryon, Shelley, Keats, Twain, James, Wharton, Pasolini, Bowen, Ginzberg, Rice, Wolff, and more.

Highsmith, Patricia. The Talented Mr. Ripley. ISBN 13: 978-0-393-33214-8

Films (view on your own. We will typically view select scenes as a class):

Gladiator

Roman Holiday The Talented Mr. Ripley Night on Earth (the “Rome” chapter) Roma

The Bicycle Thieves Rome, Open City

Mama Roma

La Dolce Vita (the first part)