Professor Harrison is a great professor. He really brings his lectures to life and has a true passion for what he teaches. I really enjoyed going to his lectures. However, in terms of the class itself, it was alright. Going to two and three hour lectures isn't the best thing in the world (even if it is just to watch a movie). The "papers" aren't that hard to write and only have to be about three pages (you write three of them). Evaluating cinema just isn't my thing, but it wasn't that bad and I got a B+ (he is also a generous curver)

Keep in mind that this is coming from a South campus major that is not fond of reading at ALL.

Professor Harrison is very effective during lectures, and genuinely tries to get students into the subject at hand. He is very approachable and open to listening to opinions on films viewed during lecture, and his essays are only 500-700 words (you only have to do three).

The only problem that may arise is forgetting to do readings. Sure it is an easy class, but don't let your laziness stop you from getting an A+. I must admit that it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with the readings (not because they are difficult, but because I hate reading) but as long as you make time to go over them and jot down important notes you will be able to ace your quizzes. Also, make sure to listen/take good notes during Harrison's lecture as well.

The essays shouldn't be that hard and one can easily get an A as long as they try. It WAS a pain having to do it on Thurs. night but eh... it was no big deal since once you got into it you'd only take an hour and a half to finish (given that you reviewed the film beforehand and developed an argument).

Just do the readings & make some notes on them and don't slack off when it comes to doing the essays (30% of your grade!).

I originally took this course because it was considered "easy", but it ended up actually being very interesting and informative. Professor Harrison truly does an amazing job at getting his students interested in the course.

Final grade: A+

Professor Harrison is the best lecturer I’ve encountered here at UCLA. He is truly engaging and thought provoking and needs neither powerpoints nor prompts to keep the interest of his students. But then again, what’s not to be interested in when the lecture topics revolve around politics, sex, gender, and psychology? The structure of the class is simple, watch a film on Tuesday, analyze it on Thursday, and Friday you go to discussion where you take a three question quiz. There are readings assigned every week ( they are interesting and never take more than an hour to read- not optional, read them to do well). There are three 500-700 word papers due, a midterm, and a final. If you go to lecture and do the readings and participate in discussions then you will do well. Italian 46 is basically a sociology class, except instead of using case studies from history, you analyze the relationships and dynamics among characters in a film. You analyze that film in the context of the time period during which it was made and furthermore you explore how it’s visual language serves to convey its message. The readings included Plato, Freud, Boccaccio, articles about a stripper running for parliament, Reich, and more. You learn basic film terms, basic Italian history, and the psychology of Italian culture. My TA, Camilla Zamboni, was wonderful. She was to the point and helped clarify questions about films, but for the most part she facilitated the discussions which were sustained by students themselves. Discussions were mostly 50 minutes of students analyzing, arguing, and thinking aloud – which, after all, is what a successful discussion section is. As for the films themselves, for the most part they are very good. A few have become my favorites. I’m not going to lie, there were two that I couldn’t stand. But regardless of my personal reactions towards them, they were all worthy of a viewing and highly thought provoking.
I couldn’t recommend this class more highly!

Kick ass selection of movies! I loved going to class.

Tuesday- assigned prompts for paper, short introduction of the film, viewing
Thursday- lecture on the film
Friday- discussion including a short 3 question quiz (1 on a detail from the film, 2 on the reading, 3 on Professor Harrison's lecture)
Sometimes a question would be kind of obscure, but I would just take a good guess and I always got 100%
(btw I would recommend Camilla Zamboni as a TA; she is very knowledgeable about the material)

Professor Harrison is a very effective lecturer, and he's pretty entertaining. He definitely cracks some good jokes.
There's a good amount of reading, but I found it all really enjoyable and interesting.
You're required to write papers for three films, each of which must be 500-700 words. As long as you have a solid argument and back it up with evidence, you're golden. Form is also really important though. I felt it was really easy to get into writing based on the prompts he gives, but I also really enjoy writing.

Both the midterm (20%) and final (30%) are multiple choice, and the final is non-cumulative (you do have to remember the basic general details from the prior movies--but it's no big).

I did the majority of the reading, went to all the lectures and discussions, studied a reasonable amount for the midterm and final and received an A+
As long as you put some effort in, you'll do well and enjoy yourself while doing so!

One of the best GEs I have taken. You get to watch very interesting movies..(apart from one or two.) This class is highly recommended. You get to learn a lot about Italian history - basically the interplay of sex and politics. You only have three papers during the quarter. Harrison knows what he's talking about. The readings from the course reader are the most important..and then I would say the readings from the Marcus book. I realised a lot of the stuff he says about the movies are in the Marcus book, so it's not like you're reading something completely new. You do a quiz every week during section which is super easy..and these are easy points.

Harrison is a boss. His Italian film class was so enjoyable. It is definitely the best class I have taken at UCLA and he is the best professor I have had so far. HE is super knowledgeable and is not afraid to speak his mind and yet is careful not to offend anyone. The readings and essays are easy. He definitely knows what he is talking about which is so refreshing.

LOVED this class so much. the professor is amazing, and there's only 3 short papers due throughout the 10 weeks. My best GE so far.

I took Professor Harrison's fiat lux on Rock Music, and I swear to God, that it has been the best class of my collegiate career. The only Con it had was that it was only one time a week and not a major in itself. As a result of how cool and badass Professor Harrison is I have a more profound appreciation of classic rock (The doors, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, etc.) and I am now pursuing a career in music management. Take anything he offers, because he is literally the coolest professor ever.

Prof. Harrison is so awesome that I decided to take his fiat lux on wait for it....Pink Floyd lyrics! Also Italian 46 was a great GE, actually my favorite and I've already completed all GE requirements. He got me really interested in Italian cinema beyond the scope of the class. I plan on showing up to his Spring quarter movie days with wine and cheese. I wouldn't recommend doing that if you're still opting for a grade, or maybe I would. But nevertheless, take amazing notes, they'll come in handy when you're trying to remember all of the movies and themes. You only have to write 3 short papers (3 pgs) out of I think 9 or 10 movies, the midterm and final are somewhat Italian history heavy but the course reader will help out with that. The TA's for the class rock, I had Brenden, he's the bomb. Take this class!

I love this class because he said wherever the flow of the lecture took him. It's a class examining film, but really half of it is reading and discussing italian culture mainly politics and sex. Discussion is easy (verbatim of what is said in class) and the three essays are actually intellectually stimulating! Fascinating lecturer and reader. I hope to take a seminar from him in the future!