This course focuses on Italian films after the Second World War as a mirror through which the student can penetrate Italian culture and way of life. Starting with the years following the Second World War (“Roma città aperta”, 1946), to more recent productions such as La Vita è Bella (1997), motion pictures will allow the student to become familiar with several aspects of Italian experience in the second part of 20th century. Lectures, film viewings, discussion of films and readings, student research and presentations will be relevant parts of class sessions. A particular focus will be on the review and usage of Italian language.