In this history course, students will study the history of Modern Italy from the Risorgimento and continue on through the development and decline of the liberal Italian state, Mussolini and Italian Fascism, World War II, and post World War II Italy up through recent historical events.  Introduction to major literary, cinematographic, design, and artistic movements are covered as well as social aspects of Italian life including topics such as the development of the Italian educational system, the Italian Mafia, its roots and its influence, the feminist movement and the changing roll of the woman in Italian society.