Course Title: Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia
Instructor: Dr. Michele Zanobini, A&S '16 (PhD)
Brought to you by Odyssey
August 30, 2025 - September 13, 2025 (3 Sessions)
Saturday, 10:00AM ET - 11:30AM ET
Virtual via Zoom
Course Description: Of all the international underworld networks, gangs and criminal organisations, the Italian Mafia is certainly amongst the eldest and most renowned. How could a series of bloody Sicilian vendettas fuelled by a primitive notion of honour, proud defiance and a medieval code of chivalry evolve into a sophisticated and hierarchical organisation capable of infiltrating, blackmailing and crippling a modern European state? From its earliest apparition, in the 1860s, to the recent Berlusconi trials and the death of boss Matteo Messina Denaro, this short class seeks to explore the socio-economic, political and cultural milieu that allowed this most infamous phenomenon to come into existence, prosper and quickly spread across the Italian peninsula and beyond. By the end of the course, students will not only be in the position to assess and evaluate this crucial phenomenon comprehensively, they will also be able to speculate on what future scenarios might look like. Interactive lectures followed by seminar discussion. No previous knowledge required.
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