Italian

From early history through the present day, Italy has played a major role in the shaping of Western civilization. The study of Italian literature and culture permits a broad humanistic investigation of this heritage, while students of the language also develop a practical skill useful for careers in international business, diplomacy, and the arts. At NYU, the Department of Italian is located in the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò, a national historic landmark, which was donated to NYU by the Baroness Zerilli-Marimò, a member of the University's Board of Trustees. The Casa Italiana is the center for Italian cultural and social activities at the University. The faculty of the Department addresses a wide range of subjects, and students majoring in Italian can expect to study such topics as Italian women writers, literature and cinema, Dante and his world, Italian culture from Dante to the modern world, and the future of Italy.

Academic Programs

The Department of Italian offers four distinct majors: Italian Language and Literature, Italian Language and Civilization, Romance Languages, and Italian and Linguistics. The requirements of these majors are set forth in the College of Arts and Science Bulletin. To ensure mastery of the Italian language, most classes are conducted in Italian, and students are expected to complete their written work in Italian. In addition to the courses taught by departmental faculty, the program also offers a number of courses each year taught by eminent visiting professors from Italy. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad at Villa La Pietra, a hilltop estate overlooking Florence with a priceless collection of medieval and Renaissance art, bequeathed to NYU by the late Sir Harold Acton. While there, students not only live at La Pietra but also take classes both in the NYU program and at the University of Florence.

Activities and Awards

Weekly activities at the Casa Italiana include visits by Italian scholars and personalities, art showings, musical events, and film retrospectives. This variety of events allows students to meet and talk with members of the Italian community in New York City. In addition, the student club, Il Circolo Italiano, promotes Italian language and culture through conversation groups, films, and lectures. The Italian Department offers awards which are presented to seniors for excellence and accomplishment in the study of Italian.

Career Options

Italian is an excellent major for those who desire a solid educational base which provides a background with career prospects. Italian studies prepare a student for a competitive global environment by teaching language and the understanding of the culture. In this way, graduates of the program are better prepared to overcome the barriers of monolingualism that frequently inhibit participation in an increasingly multicultural society. An Italian major is also excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Graduates of the department have found positions in international business, journalism, fashion, teaching, and the entertainment field. Others have pursued their Italian studies in graduate school or have gone on to law or medical school.

Faculty

Loredana Anderson (Director of the Italian Language Program)

Methods of language pedagogy; 20th-century literature; Italian culture

Maria Luisa Ardizzone

Medieval poetry; science and philosphy; contemporary poetry

Ruth Ben-Ghiat (Director of Undergraduate Studies)

Fascism; literature and cinema; contemporary history and society

Alessandro Carrera

Opera; modern poetry; music and literature

Adriana Cavarero

Women's studuies; politcal philosophy

Francesco Erspamer (Chair and Director of Undergraduate Studies)

Renaissance; the fin de siècle novel; cultural and intellectual history; philology

John Freccero (Director of Graduate Studies)

Dante; medieval poetry and poetics

Aldo Scaglione

Medieval and Renaissance literature; history and theory of literary criticism; Romance philology

Admission and Financial Aid

Students seeking admission should apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, New York University, 22 Washington Square North, New York, NY 10011. The University sponsors and administers a wide variety of financial aid programs. Awards are based on the student's record of academic achievement and test scores as well as on financial need.

More Information

New York University
Department of Italian
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò
24 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212)998-8730

CAS home page

NYU home page

Admissions

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