Rockland Community College salutes Italian Heritage Month with an eclectic slate of events that pay homage to the rich contributions of Italian culture, from the soaring operas of Verdi to the veneration of saints such as Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena, to the universal appeal of Italian cuisine, and much more. Events are scheduled from October 15 through November 13, and are free and open to the public.
“At Rockland Community College, we proudly offer a calendar of events that celebrate famous Italians and their outstanding achievements in the areas of art, architecture, science, history, literature, music, and, of course, cuisine,” said Josephine Tarsia, Associate Professor of Foreign Languages and Chair of RCC’s Italian Heritage Month Committee. “Our renowned faculty will regale us with their expertise by offering exciting presentations on various interesting topics. The College community and the community at-large is invited to join us for these wonderful events.”
Monday, October 15
Homo Sapiens Neanderthals: The First Italians!3 – 3:50 pm, Academic II, Room 2315The oldest Neanderthal DNA ever found was discovered in a fossilized skeleton in southern Italy, near the town of Altamura in the region of Puglia.
Tuesday, October 16
The Role of the Papacy during the Italian Renaissance12:30-1:30 pm, Technology Center, EllipseAn overview of the development of the papacy and papal traditions during the Renaissance period.
Thursday, October 18
Giuseppe Verdi
3 – 3:50 pm, Academic II, Room 2315
Discussion focuses on four operatic compositions by Verdi, one of history’s pre-eminent opera composers: Aida, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore and La Traviata.
Tuesday, October 23
Saintly Celebrities in Medieval Italy: An Illustrated Exploration
3 – 4:15 pm, Technology Center, Ellipse
Slide-illustrated lecture explores the miracle-laced stories – and mysteries – of such famous figures as Francis of Assisi, Agatha of Sicily, Catherine of Siena and Rita of Cascia.
Thursday, October 25
Book discussion: Essentials of Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan
12:30 – 1:30 pm, Technology Center, Room 8322
Hazan has been called the godmother of authentic Italian cuisine. Her cookbook includes almost 500 uncomplicated recipes that inspire the reader to prepare and enjoy her delicious dishes.
Tuesday, October 30
Assisi: City of Peace, Saints, and Art
3 – 4 pm, Academic II, Room 2315
An exploration of the history and art of Assisi, which is revered and held sacred by all denominations.
Thursday, November 1
Sicily: Land of a Rich and Unique Culture
3 – 3:50 pm, Academic II, Room 2315
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is an autonomous area of Italy with brilliant landscapes, important archaeological sites, and its own unique art, music, literature, cuisine and architecture.
Tuesday, November 6
Visions of Italy: Northern Style (a PBS video)
3 – 4 pm, Academic II, Room 2315
Enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Italian Alps, Lake Como, Portofino, Pisa, Siena, Florence, Venice, and more.
Thursday, November 8
The History of Venice from Ancient Times to the 1600s
12:30 – 1:30 pm, Technology Center, Ellipse
Learn about the development of Venice from its early days as a refuge against foreign invaders to its emergence as a Mediterranean power that rivaled the other nations and empires of the 1500s and 1600s.
Tuesday, November 13
The Vatican Museum in Rome
12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Academic II, Room 2315
The museum houses 54 galleries encompassing more than 70,000 works. Discussion outlines the immense impact of Italian art on society.
For more information on RCC’s Italian Heritage Month events, contact Josephine Tarsia at jtarsia@sunyrockland.edu.
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