Program in Italian Studies

Director

Wendy Heller

Executive Committee

Andrew Feldherr, Classics

Pietro Frassica, French and Italian

Wendy Heller, Music

John A. Pinto, Art and Archaeology

Eileen A. Reeves, Comparative Literature

Gideon Rosen, Philosophy, ex officio

 

The Program in Italian Studies has two broad aims: to offer students in the various humanistic departments a chance to deepen their knowledge, in their own discipline, of Italian civilization from medieval to contemporary times; and to foster interdisciplinary study among students and faculty members who have an interest in Italian civilization. A flexible format allows the student to emphasize either of these two aims, but insists that some effort be made on behalf of both (see courses, below).

Graduate Certificate in Italian Studies

The graduate certificate in Italian Studies is available only to currently enrolled students. Normally, their work in their own departments will have reflected such an interest from the outset. In some departments, however, requirements for the degree may allow a student to take a relatively small number of courses in specifically Italian subjects during the first two years. In all cases, students are encouraged to spend one additional year taking courses. Entrance to the program of study normally occurs at the start of the fall term that either coincides with or follows completion of the general examination. (In some cases departments may wish that a student enroll at the beginning of the second year.) Candidates are nominated by their director of graduate studies and chosen by action of the Interdepartmental Committee at a meeting during the month of February. It is not foreseen that there will be funds to support more than a few students each year. Upon completion of the requirements of the home department and the program of study, the student is awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the home department and a certificate in Italian studies.

Requirements

All students in the program must complete all requirements for the degree in their home department. The following requirements also must be met.

Language. In order to enter the program, a student must have already demonstrated linguistic proficiency in spoken and written Italian (e.g., in the case of non-native speakers: the ability to teach a section of Italian 101, certification by native speakers of the Interdepartmental Committee, a grade of B+ or higher in Italian 401 or an equivalent course, or papers or published work written in Italian). Latin is also required of all students, who must have satisfied their own department’s Latin language proficiency examination and/or demonstrated the ability to read classical as well as medieval Latin texts. While ancient Greek is not required, it is welcomed in a candidate.

Courses. In the additional year of study, each student is expected to complete six graduate courses from among those offered under the program’s auspices. At least four of these courses must be offered in departments other than the student’s own.

Thesis. While the doctoral thesis obviously must fulfill the Ph.D. requirements of the student’s home department, it must also significantly involve a subject relating to these periods of Italian civilization. At least one of the student’s dissertation directors in the home department must be unaffiliated with the Interdepartmental Committee, and at least one other, whether a member of the home department or not, must be a member of the committee.

Maintenance Allowances. Some support is available from the committee for students who need to visit archives and special collections in Italy as they prepare to engage in research leading toward their dissertation.

Further Information

A brochure describing the interests of faculty members contributing to the program and available courses may be obtained from the Department of French and Italian, East Pyne, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544.

Pertinent Courses in Allied Departments

Art and Archaeology

536 Art in Late Medieval Italy

538 Medieval Manuscript Illumination

547 Studies in Renaissance and Baroque Architecture

548 History and Theories of Architecture: 18th and 19th Centuries

565 Seminar in Modernist Art and Theory

Classics

Undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on Greek and Latin texts fundamental to the study of Italian literature of the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Comparative Literature

543 Topics in Medieval Literature

547 The Renaissance

561 The Modern Novel

English

512, 515 Chaucer I, II

550 The Romantic Period

576 Literature and Gender

French and Italian

551, 552 Medieval Italian Literature

553, 554 Literature of the Italian Renaissance

555, 556 Modern Italian Literature

History

543 The Origins of the Middle Ages

544 Seminar in Medieval History

545 Readings in Renaissance and Reformation History

561 Seminar in European Cultural and Intellectual History: The 20th Century

591 The Scientific Revolution

593 Science from the Enlightenment to the Present

Music

503, 504 Medieval Musical Style and Notation

512 Topics in Medieval Music

515, 516 Topics in the History of Opera

519, 520 Topics in Music from 1600 to 1800

525, 526 Topics in Music from 1400 to 1600

Politics

513 Modern Political Theory