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Since its modest beginnings before the middle of the nineteenth century, Italian studies has had a diversified development. Combined into one department with Spanish from 1887 to the early 1970s, Italian studies succeeded in 1973 in charting its own course and becoming the largest Italian department outside of Italy.

The record shows that students have always firmly supported the promotion of Italian studies, often through initiatives of their own, such as the student club which was founded in 1946. The role of the Italian Canadian community in nurturing the culture of its country of origin has also been a contributing factor in the consolidation of the department. [read more]