Mussolini and the Fascist State
Phil Orenstein • November 26, 2009 • Uncategorized
I highly recommend the upcoming history class “Mussolini and the Fascist State” taught by Professor Gerald Matacotta. I have registered for the two sessions and have in fact been enjoying Prof. Matacotta’s inspiring perspective on American Exceptionalism in his History Seminar Series at Queensborough Community College (Bayside, NY) for the past few years.
Mussolini and the Fascist State
Italy wanted change after World War I and they elected Benito Mussolini. The totalitarian fascist government was looked upon by many in the world as the future of humankind. “The Perfect State” had as its mission to oust the ancient belief system of the Catholic Church or the modern ones of the liberal nation – consumer capitalism and socialist/humanism – in favor of a new fascist civic religion. This ended with Mussolini hanging by his feet. Discussion on what can be learned from this moment in history.
Suggested Readings: Mussolini’s Italy: Life Under the Fascist Dictatorship, 1915-1945 by R.J.B. Bosworth; The Fall of Mussolini: Italy, the Italians, and the Second World War by Philip Morgan, and; The Body of Il Deuce: Mussolini’s Corpse and the Fortunes of Italy by Sergio Luzzatto and Frederika Randall.
HIX-256 2 sessions / $50
Thurs, 7:30-9:30pm, Dec. 3-10Go here for more information or to register:
http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/conted/
Professor Gerald Matacotta has an M.A. in History from New York University, 1967. He studied at University of Virginia, Yale and Oxford University and has presented in the annual Jefferson Symposium at University of Virginia along with the distinguished historians, Jeremy Black and Peter Onuf. He worked 32 years for New York City Department of Education primarily teaching High School American History. Other roles include dean and head of curriculum development team. He also worked at Queensborough Community College as instructor and adjunct since 1989. Professor Matacotta originated the acclaimed History Seminar Series at Queensborough Community College in 2000. Other accomplishments include president of Whitestone Republican Club 1965-68, Collegiate NCAA Volleyball coach and athletic administrator since 1988 and advisor for the academic freedom movement and the Academic Bill of Rights.
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