Center for Italian Studies

The Center for Italian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania was created in 1978 by President Martin Meyerson and School of Arts and Sciences' Dean Vartan Gregorian with the endorsement of the Republic of Italy. It has the distinction of being the first such center in the United States. Jerre Mangione (English, Emeritus) was named initially as its honorary director. Since then, the directorship has been filled on a rotating basis by other distinguished members of the faculty from the Departments of Romance Languages, History, History of Art, Classical Studies, and English.

The Center assists Italian Studies students and others in pursuing plans for study in Italy, through the Penn-in-Florence, university-affiliated academic programs, or as an individual research project. The Center also fosters interdisciplinary perspectives by sponsoring lectures, readings by Italian authors, and international conferences across the spectrum of Italian Studies.

Over the years the Center has secured support for a number of research awards and now is able to offer funding for projects across the entire educational spectrum. Through the endowed Salvatori Research Fund, the Center is able to subvene publication of its conference proceedings, as well as publications, research, and travel to Italy in areas of Italian Studies undertaken by faculty and graduate students. The Amici Prize supports undergraduate research in Italy. Finally, with the Vittorini Prizes, the Center offers prizes for outstanding achievement in Italian course work at the University of Pennsylvania. Students concentrating in Italian and Italian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania have the opportunity to live in the Casa Italiana at the Gregory College House, where they will enjoy an immersive linguistic and cultural environment.