About the Italian Studies Research Centre
Background
At the end of 2001 Dr Mirna Cicioni (Italian Studies, SLCL) learned that the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage (Ministero dei Beni Culturali) had in previous years donated sizeable collections of Italian books to universities in cities outside Europe which had large migrant communities. An initial expression of interest was made by Dr Cicioni and Professor Brian Nelson, head of SLCL, in January 2002. Contacts and discussions continued throughout 2002 and 2003. It was envisaged that the books should
- provide reference and research facilities for both the Monash academic community and the Melbourne Italian community, with a focus on specific areas of shared interest;
- become the basis for a Research Centre which would facilitate interdisciplinary research projects, lectures and conferences with the participation of international guest speakers, and joint activities with schools and other institutions in Melbourne connected with Italy and the Italian language.
In November 2003 Dr Cicioni was informed that a first shipment of more than 700 books (encyclopedias and reference works; works of Italian literature, classical and contemporary; books on librarianship) and over 50 CD-roms was on its way to Melbourne. A delegation from the Ministry visited the University in May 2004 for an official ceremony during which the donation was acknowledged and a statement made in regard to the proposed Centre. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the opening, at the Italian Cultural Institute, of an exhibition of some of the donated books and materials.
Overview
Italy and aspects of its culture, past and present, has considerable and growing complementary strengths within the Faculty and the University. A large donation of books and other research material (between 1,000 and 2,000 books a year for two years, to an approximate overall value of $400,000) has been officially granted by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage. It is envisaged that this will form the basis for an Italian Studies Research Centre (the Centre). The Centre, which would be be part of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (SLCL), would begin with substantial basic resources already in place, which it could offer to scholarly visitors, students, researchers, and the Melbourne Italian community. Its existence would powerfully reinforce research and teaching in Italian Studies, and would greatly facilitate collaboration with colleagues at other institutions and with the Melbourne Italian community.
Aims of the Centre
- Co-ordinate and enhance research and teaching connected with Italian Studies within SLCL, the Faculty and the University. This could include the establishment of an interdisciplinary graduate research program in Italian Studies.
- Increase collaborative research projects with Italian Studies scholars with internationally recognised research profiles.
- Expand existing contacts with the Melbourne Italian community through a program of lectures, seminars and conferences.
The Centre (only the third such institution in the world: the Ministry for Cultural Heritage has previously made donations to a university in Alexandria and one in Buenos Aires) will enhance considerably the standing of Italian Studies at Monash, and of Monash in a global context. Furthermore, interest at a high level from the Italian Government in Italian Studies at Monash would give the Program, the School and the University a great deal of credibility with the Melbourne Italian community, and possibly also with the Victorian government.
It is proposed that an Italian Studies Research Centre be constituted as part of the SLCL. The Centre would start its life with substantial basic resources already in place, and could be a focus for wide-ranging interdisciplinary collaboration by colleagues across the Faculty and possibly in other faculties such as Law and Art & Design. The most significant areas of interest connected with existing research strengths at Monash are likely to be, in alphabetical order:
- Biography and Life Writing
- Film Studies
- Historical Studies
- Literary and Cultural Studies
- Translation Studies
- Women's Studies
It is envisaged that the Centre's resources will grow with future fund-raising and donations. A venue to house the collection is still being explored. Pre-inaugurational activities are already being planned and implemented such as the visit in 2005 by Professor Paola Bono who will be giving guest lectures and workshops, and a conference in September of 2005 in Italian Humour.