Is Italy nowadays mainly a country of art preservation or a living culture between past and future?  Can Italian be considered a “Language of Culture” par excellence? This course will answer these questions, while guiding the students through an examination of contemporary Italian culture and society considered in its following expressions: Politics, Art, Theater, Music, Fashion, and Cinema.  The course will provide students with several opportunities to enhance their communication skills.  Honors students must complete an additional presentation along with an additional research paper