Italian
A language of art, innovation and global influence
Una lingua di arte, innovazione e influenza globale
Italian connects you to one of the world’s most influential cultural traditions. Spoken in Italy, Switzerland and communities around the world, Italian is the language of writers such as Dante and Machiavelli, artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo and filmmakers such as Federico Fellini. At the University at Buffalo, Italian studies explore language, literature and culture across centuries of artistic, intellectual and social history while helping students build strong communication skills and global perspectives
All UB students may also use Italian courses to complete the UB Curriculum Global Pathway: Language and Culture Track.
Italian culture has shaped global traditions in art, literature, music and design. From Renaissance painting and architecture to modern film, fashion and cuisine, Italy continues to influence creativity and innovation around the world.
Studying Italian at UB helps you:
- Build advanced language and communication skills
- Engage deeply with literature, film and cultural history
- Explore global industries influenced by Italian creativity and design
- Prepare for careers that value cultural knowledge and international perspectives
Italian supports careers in fields such as business, arts and culture, international affairs, tourism, translation and interpretation, fashion, engineering and law.
Did you know?
Italian is the language of opera, and many of the world’s most famous musical terms such as piano, forte and tempo come from Italian.
Italian studies at UB combine language learning with the exploration of literature, art, history and cultural traditions.
Students develop fluency in speaking, reading and writing Italian while studying texts, films and historical movements that shaped Italian culture. Courses explore themes ranging from medieval literature and Renaissance humanism to modern Italian film and contemporary cultural debates.
Students begin at their current level of proficiency and advance through coursework that deepens both language ability and cultural understanding.
Explore our programs
Italian studies often explore topics such as:
- Dante and medieval Italian literature
- Renaissance art, culture and philosophy
- Italian novels and literary movements
- Modern and contemporary Italian literature
- Film, culture and society in modern Italy
These perspectives help students understand Italy’s cultural legacy and its continued influence around the world.
Faculty in Italian literature and culture guide students through close study of texts, ideas and artistic traditions while encouraging independent thinking and global awareness.
Italian Literature and Culture Faculty
Italian culture has shaped art, design, literature and philosophy for centuries. Studying the language and its cultural traditions helps students understand how ideas travel across time and influence societies around the world.
At UB, Italian studies combine language learning, cultural exploration and close mentorship in a supportive academic community.
Did you know?
Italian is one of the most studied languages in the world and an official language of the European Union.
Italian connects creativity, culture and global opportunity. At UB, you will gain language fluency, cultural insight and academic depth in a close knit and engaging program.