“The Cultural Heritage and Memory of Totalitarianisms” offers a scientific and cultural understanding of the legacy of Fascism in Italy blending unique in situ visits to art, architecture and historical monuments led by international experts and classes on literature, film and culture led by Sapienza faculty.

The course is targeted to international and Italian graduate students in the Humanities, who are interested in disciplines such as memory and heritage studies, comparative literature and history, but also in curatorial and museum studies (BA students working on their final project are also eligible). The goal is to broaden scholarly assessment and possible teaching avenues, especially for students interested in working in museums and cultural institutes in Italy and abroad.

The heritage of Fascist totalitarianism in Rome and in Italy will be approached in the context of Nazism and Stalinism, and also framed within the broader scenario of European colonialism. Special focus will be given to the analysis of totalitarianisms’ influence on postcolonial dictatorships and post-WWII culture. Students will be solicited to elaborate on the transnational impact of artistic and cultural experiences born in Italy and especially Rome, beginning with visual and literary texts that interpret Fascism and the transition to democracy.