The Department of Italian Studies at UC Berkeley explores Italy's language, literature, history, and culture through dynamic, interdisciplinary perspectives, advancing its historical roots in innovative directions. Our mission is to foster a global understanding of Italy's impact across time and regions, supporting scholarly pursuits and public engagement through diverse programs, events, and study abroad opportunities.
The Department’s illustrious history dates back to the 1920s and its faculty, permanent and visiting, present and past, includes some of the most distinguished scholars and representatives of Italy, its language, literature, history, and culture. The Department is widely acknowledged to be one of the leaders and innovators in our field in North America and internationally. While the Department still has strong roots in its traditional mission of teaching and promoting the language and literature of Italy, it has broadened its scope to include multiple disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives and to view the country, its language, and its peoples in regional, national, European, Mediterranean, and even global contexts, from the Middle Ages and Renaissance down to the present day. We annually sponsor and co-sponsor a range of events, some on specialized academic topics, others of more general interest, most open to the public, including lectures, conferences, film screenings, among others. We sponsor and support study abroad programs in Italy during the regular academic year and in the summer. Questions may be addressed to the appropriate administrative staff person or faculty member, or may be sent to issa@berkeley.edu.