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Presentation DISTU

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, History, Philosophy, and Law Studies (Distu), established by Rectoral Decree No. 896 dated 30/09/2010, arises from the conviction of groups of colleagues from diverse disciplinary backgrounds that strengthening the links between teaching and research, as mandated by the recent university reform law (L.240/2010), can consolidate the cultural identity, propositional effectiveness, and success in scientific activities of those working in the fields of humanities and social sciences. The institutional and cultural space of Europe has been founded, in the modern age, on a plurality of intellectual paths, cultural maps, philosophical elaborations, legal traditions which, over time, have witnessed a gradual but increasingly intense process of convergence and integration.

“The cornerstone of the department’s scientific activities lies in the institutional and cultural space of Europe and other regions of the world connected to it. The data and issues on which scholars affiliated with DISTU work encompass economic, political, and intellectual history from antiquity to the contemporary era; modern European and extra-European languages and literatures, examined in all major textual production types, favoring an interdisciplinary approach inspired by the principles of cultural studies; archaeology and art history in their material, philological, aesthetic, and interpretative dimensions; cultural products and their diverse languages (communicative and expressive); the theoretical and philosophical formulations underlying them and rooted in classical, medieval, and Renaissance civilization; legal institutions, public institutions, and the principles regulating them in national, supranational, and global contexts.”

Where we are and how to reach us

The department is headquartered in the monumental complex of San Carlo. The facility includes the Auditorium, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual and multimedia systems; classrooms, the library, computer labs, faculty rooms, offices, and administrative offices, as well as a dedicated student space. Courses in Modern Languages and Literatures (L11), Law (LMG01), Languages and Cultures for International Communication (LM37), Public, Political, and Institutional Communication (LM59), Political Science, International Security, and Public Communication (LM62, interdisciplinary course DISTU-DEIM) are held at this location.

 

The department’s satellite location is situated within the Riello complex, housed in the building formerly occupied by the Department of Cultural Heritage. Here, you will find classrooms, faculty offices, a photographic laboratory for documentation and graphic recording, as well as the administrative secretariat for the interdisciplinary master’s course in Archaeology and Art History, Protection, and Enhancement (LM2/LM89).

 

At the Santa Maria in Gradi complex (Rectorate), there are 2 classrooms (Classroom D and Classroom E), which serve as the venue for USAC courses and TFA courses, and the Annesi Hall serves as the venue for doctoral programs.

 

LOCATIONS

Complesso San Carlo:
Via San Carlo 32 – 01100 Viterbo

Satellite location Riello:
Largo dell’Università snc – 01100 Viterbo

Student’s office and Rectorate:
Santa Maria in Gradi, Via Santa Maria in Gradi 4 – 01100 Viterbo

 

 

HOW TO GET THERE

The San Carlo complex is located in the historic center of Viterbo, which is enclosed within the medieval walls, featuring several monumental entrance gates. The nearest gate to the DISTU department is Porta del Carmine, in the medieval district of Pianoscarano: the department is 100 meters away, the first street on the left just after passing through Porta del Carmine.

 

Directions from Rome by car:
As soon as you enter Viterbo from the Cassia road, turn left at the first traffic light onto Via Vetralla. Follow the signs for the University, along the ancient city walls. After 500 meters, you will reach Porta del Carmine.

Driving directions from Porta Romana Station

 

Directions from Rome by train:
Get off at Porta Romana station and follow the city walls until you reach Porta del Carmine. It’s a 10-minute walk from the station to the Department of Humanities and Social Studies.
Walking directions from Porta Romana station

 

How to get to the Riello Complex
Driving directions from Porta Romana Station