Siena overlooking the sea

Benvenuti!

We invite you to learn about our engaging and dynamic programs of study.

Yale’s  Department of Italian Studies offers the Ph.D. in Italian literature with wider methodological concerns and discourses, such as history, rhetoric and critical theories, comparison with other literatures, the figurative arts, religious and philosophical studies, medieval, Renaissance, and modern studies, and the contemporary state of Italian writing.

At the undergraduate level, the Department of Italian Studies has two distinct missions: to provide instruction in the Italian language at all levels of competence, and to lead students to a broad appreciation and deep understanding of the literature and culture of Italy.

The major in Italian is a liberal arts major designed to explore Italy’s vital role in the development of the humanistic values and disciplines that have infused Western culture over several centuries. Central to the major in Italian is the conviction that study of another language yields the important benefit of enlightening students about their own culture while instructing them about a foreign one. Core courses provide students with a solid linguistic, literary, and historical background in Italian. Additional offerings range across several disciplines, including the study of film, philosophy, comparative literature, history, political theory, art, religious studies, theater, architecture, and music.

“The professors, students, and communities that are formed within the department are one-of-a-kind. From opportunities to present research at the bi-annual Rossini Symposium and yearly Undergraduate Research Conference to monthly community espressos and the legendary Mardi Gras party, the Italian department facilitates both academic opportunity and a welcoming community for Yalies. See you soon–arrivederci!” 

Anna Krans  YC 2027, Pauli Murray College

  • Annual Dante Lecture

    Presents Joseph Luzzi, Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature, Bard College

     

Department News

Fall 2024 Italian Studies Newsletter

Learn more about what the department and our alumni have been up to.

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Past Newsletters

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