08 005 A Short History of the Mafia

Picture from wikipedia: Sketch of the 1901 trial of suspected mafiosi in Palermo. From the newspaper , May 1901.

Booking will close on Friday 27th September 2024 at 12 noon

Due to limited resources, we are UNABLE TO ACCEPT LATE BOOKINGS after this date.

Venue: Room 1G15 Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee

Many people, especially foreigners, wonder what the mafia is. The mafia is a crime organisation whose historical origins are still uncertain. Some scholars maintain it originated in the 19th century in Sicily. This organisation later took other names, developing then in some parts of Europe and eventually in the United States. This course will attempt to provide a brief history of the mafia, referring to the Sicilian mafia only and how it spread from that island to other continents.

Tutor: Renato Ammannati

Renato studied architecture, urban planning and theology in Rome. A member of the Vatican Commission for the Preservation of Monuments and Works of Art, he worked in Italy and the Vatican State for a number of years. In 2001 he published his first book: 'Apocalisse. Le cose che stanno per accadere. Linearita e reversibilita del tempo nell’ Apocalisse di Giovanni', and in 2010, 'Rivelazione e Storia'; both anthropological analyses of the Book of Revelations. Since 2012 Renato has given continuing education classes on Italian culture, history and art at the University of Dundee.

Comments from his courses with LLD held in 2023/24:

"How well researched and informative Renato's classes are. He is enthusiastic and always willing to answer our questions of which there are many".

"Renato was both informative and amusing in his delivery of the topic. I liked class discussion and the various media he used to broaden the subject. Wonderful".

"Renato’s presentations were excellent, varied, and very informative".

"The atmosphere in the class was cohesive and facilitated stimulating and interesting discussion".

"Excellent thought provoking course".

Enquiries should be sent to: [email protected]

As a volunteer organisation with limited resources, we try to respond to queries as quickly as possible. Please bear with us.

Host or Publisher Lifelong Learning Dundee