Riccardo Marcangeli

Education

• M.A. in Italian Literature and Cinematography at Boston College
• Bachelors in Italian Literature & Cinema and Psychology at College of the Holy Cross (double major)

Research Interests

Building upon a substantial background in Italian cinema and cultural studies, my graduate research has culminated in a dissertation critically analyzing the portrayal of African Americans within Italian American film. This project moves beyond traditional historical surveys to investigate the complex cinematic landscape where Italian American identity is constructed, focusing on how Black characters function, or are marginalized, within these narratives. My work explores key themes such as the negotiation of racial and ethnic identity in the U.S. context, the perpetuation or subversion of stereotypes, and the ways in which Italian American filmmakers have engaged with (or avoided) America’s complex racial history.

Courses Taught

• Italian 101 & 102, Boston College
• Italian 101 & 102, Assumption University
• Italian 101 & 102, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Italian 201 & 202, Assumption University
• Italian 203 & 204, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Italian 312: Writing Workshop, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Conference Presentations

• Worcester State Romance Languages Conference – La Novella del Grasso Legnaiuolo of Antonio Manetti

Awards and Achievements

• Scholarship via La Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia May 2017 (1 month of free enrollment in Italian Language and Culture classes at l’Università per Stranieri di Perugia)
• AATI Contest Winner (Recognition for the American Association of Teachers of Italian essay award)
• Distinguished Faculty Recognition, University of Wisconsin–Madison (Named “Honored Instructor” by University Housing for outstanding instruction in Italian)