The Southern Mediterranean Basin has been the cradle of world civilizations since the first settlements in Jericho in 9000 BC, the place where religions, economies, and political systems met, clashed, influenced, and absorbed one another. Sicily is at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and for over 2000 years, has been the gateway between Europe, Africa, and the East. It has long been seen as the frontier between Western Civilization and the rest, but never definitively part of either. Despite being conquered by empires - Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Hapsburg Spain - it remains uniquely apart. This course will serve as an introduction to the island, its history, and its people through the interdisciplinary framework that informs modern Migration Studies, examining issues through geographic, historical, philosophical, and political lenses. Starting with questions such as “What is a map?” and “What is a territory?”, students will progress to learning about and being able to discuss the following topics: the Mediterranean Basin as a cradle of civilization; Sicily and an introduction to the concept of Island; the Island in Philosophy from Thales of Miletus to today; what is a Philosophy of the Island (G. Deleuze); the concepts of migration and navigation; the theory of the "New Barbarians" (T. Negri); the theory of “Stateless Persons” (G. Agamben); the disputed Mediterranean; and the “Philosophy of the Sea.” Students will visit a selection of cities and towns, sites, monuments, and museums.

This course includes the development of basic conversational, reading, listening, and writing skills. Focus will be given to the development of a vocabulary that will enable students to have simple but useful everyday conversations, which will be a support to their Italian experience. The course will give students the basic elements useful for everyday conversations, such as at the cafe, the train station, the post office, the restaurant, etc.

This course aims to further develop students' foundational linguistic skills, with a focus on enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in more complex situations and extended language exchanges. It includes a thorough review and expansion of basic grammar structures, alongside the introduction of more advanced vocabulary.