Undergraduate

Italy has played a major role in the shaping of Western civilization, and today holds the largest number of world heritage sites as defined by UNESCO. The study of Italian literature and culture permits an investigation of this heritage. Yet Italy is not defined only by its past. One of the most advanced and prosperous countries in the world, Italy has long provided models of family-based capitalism (Benetton, Fiat) and is a leader in fashion and design. Its economic productivity and importance in geopolitical and trade networks brings immigrants from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia to the country. An education in Italian language, culture, and society offers a basis for understanding present-day Italy and its impact on globalized workforces and marketplaces. Italian studies has application for careers in international business, diplomacy, design, and the fine arts. As part of a double major, Italian is an excellent complement to studies in other areas including economics, political science, law, history, comparative literature, music, art, drama, and film.

The Department of Italian Studies at New York University is one of the country’s leading centers for Italian studies, and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. A faculty of internationally renowned scholars is supplemented by the regular presence of prominent visiting professors from Italy.

The Department of Italian Studies is located in the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at 24 West 12th Street (click here for directions). Once the residence of General Winfield Scott, it is a national historic landmark. Donated to NYU by the Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò in memory of her husband, the late Baron Guido Zerilli-Marimò, the Casa Italiana is now a widely recognized center for Italian cultural and social activities. Students are encouraged to participate in the many lectures, conferences, concerts, and film series offered by the Casa Italiana and by the Department.

Italian Studies students may take courses in Italian language, literature, history, and culture in Florence at the Villa La Pietra as part of their undergraduate experience. La Pietra is the European center for NYU students studying abroad. The former estate of Sir Harold Acton, La Pietra is a magnificent 57-acre estate overlooking downtown Florence . The estate includes 15th-century villas, an extensive Renaissance painting and sculpture collection, and authentically restored Tuscan gardens.