CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT: Associate Professor Ben-Ghiat
DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: Assistant Professor Ferrari
DIRECTOR, ITALIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS: Dr. Cipani

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 bring 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.

Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò: The Department of Italian Studies is located in the Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at 24 West 12th Street. 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.

NYU in Florence at Villa La Pietra: NYU’s beautiful 57-acre estate in Florence, Villa La Pietra on the Via Bolognese, offers a variety of unique opportunities to students who are eager to perfect their language skills and to immerse themselves in all that Italy has to offer. A number of courses at every level of Italian language are offered each semester, along with courses in history, literature, and art history.

 For those students who have already taken four semesters of Italian or the equivalent, NYU in Florence offers a special immersion program for either one or two semesters with the following features:

—intensive Italian-learning experience in the heart of Florence: rooms at a residence in centro with RA fluent in Italian, or the opportunity to live with an Italian family

—courses available in upper intermediate and advanced Italian language as well as in areas such as Italian literature, history, politics, Florentine culture, and cinema—all taught in Italian by both NYU Italian studies professors and local faculty who regularly teach at NYU in Florence

—internship programs available

—special field trips for participants to towns, sites, and cultural events

—courses with faculty at the University of Florence

Students interested in enrolling in the immersion program are urged to apply for NYU in Florence as early as possible, and to indicate on their applications their interest in the program. All of NYU’s Italian majors and minors are strongly encouraged to enroll for one or two semesters.

Additionally, NYU students majoring or minoring in Italian interested in a one-year M.A. at Villa La Pietra may apply for the department’s B.A./M.A. program. It consists of 32 credits, which can be spread out over the course of either one year and two summers or, with sufficient planning, the student’s final semester as a B.A. and a subsequent year in Florence. Students take courses at La Pietra with an adviser from the NYU Department of Italian Studies as well as with local faculty; they are also eligible to take courses at the University of Florence and enroll in an internship program. During the second semester they participate in a work-in-progress seminar at which they will present their research to the community. The associate director of the B.A./M.A. program offers orientations at area archives, libraries, and museums. Students have the option of living in an apartment downtown, living with a family, or applying for an RA-ship at La Pietra. Not only can students obtain two degrees within five years, but they receive a 50-percent tuition discount for their M.A. year. The program makes them competitive candidates for graduate Ph.D. programs, as well as for positions in areas such as journalism, publishing, teaching, international marketing, and law.

Faculty

Professors:
Ben-Ghiat, Cox, Freccero, Tylus

Associate Professor:
Ardizzone

Assistant Professor:
Ferrari

Adjunct Professors:
Albertini, Rossellini

Global Distinguished Professor:
Bolzoni

Faculty Affiliates:
Hendin (English), Javitch (Comparative Literature), Judt (History)

Language Lecturers:
Anderson, Bresciani, Cipani, Marchelli, Scarcella Perino, Visconti di Madrone

Lettore, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Coppoletta