BA in Italian Studies in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

As an Italian studies student, you'll delve deeply into the language, literature, and culture of a region that only recently became a unified nation - the land where Dante composed his masterpiece, Saint Francis wandered through Umbria's hills, and visionary filmmakers like Pasolini and Fellini transformed cinematic realism. Our program invites you to fully engage with Italy's literary and cultural heritage while challenging persistent stereotypes about this history, both in America and Italy itself. Italian serves as the tongue for diverse expressions, from Dante's vivid portrayal of the afterlife in the Divine Comedy to the dynamic immigrant communities across contemporary North America. It's also the language of espresso, Chianti wine, prosciutto, and ricotta cheese. Whether you're passionate about exploring the culture behind this remarkable gastronomic influence, eager to discover the poetic traditions shaped by Italian's musical qualities, or fascinated by Italy's cinema, opera, landscapes, urban centers, or religious figures - our Italian program offers abundant opportunities to satisfy your intellectual curiosity.