Who is impacted?

Italian Studies might disappear from the curriculum of studies at Macquarie University (Sydney), a sudden, drastic and unexpected change that was announced in a Discussion Paper on the 18th of October by the Executive Representatives of the Faculty of Arts.

Macquarie University is considering disestablishing Italian Studies (together with Croatian, German, Modern Greek and Russian), and enrolments into the courses of Italian might be halted soon, denying future generations of students the opportunity to study a subject that has been for many years an integral part of the academic programs at Macquarie University.

What is at stake?

Learning Italian has been fundamental for many students wanting to access the culture of Italy, with its history, its incredible regional diversity, and its rich culture for example in the fields of cinema and literature. Learning Italian has been essential to many students wanting to gain the opportunity to travel, study and work in Italy and to communicate across cultures. It has enhanced students’ career opportunities in a wide range of professions with an international profile, adding value to the learning of many other disciplines such as education, economics, media or science.

The disestablishing of Italian Studies would represent not only an immense loss for all future students but also for the Italian-speaking community and for future students of Italian heritage wanting to reconnect with and/or appreciate more deeply their language and culture.

Why is now the time to act?

We hope that the Macquarie University administration will reconsider this drastic and devastating move and will maintain its commitment to being an institution with a multicultural and multilingual reputation.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS PETITION and defend the teaching of the Italian language at Macquarie University for future generations of students. Share this petition with your family, your friends and your colleagues and any other interested parties