Anna Rita Bonaduce Dresler

Bio

In the Department of World Languages and Cultures I serve as the coordinator and advisor for the Italian Studies Minor, the Italian Club, and the Italian Honor Society, helping students connect with Italian culture both on campus and abroad.

With a deep passion for the Italian language and culture, I bring extensive experience in Italian Studies and cultural immersion. My expertise includes Italian cinema, hands-on food history classes, teaching language courses across all levels (from beginner to advanced), Italian history, literature, and distance education. I am also skilled in organizing study abroad programs from the ground up. I hold two master’s degrees: an M.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures with specialization in Teaching Italian as a foreign language and an M.Ed. in Training and Development -from NC State University. My M.Ed. focused on training and distance education, an area in which I have developed significant expertise, enabling me to create engaging and effective online learning experiences.

At NC State, I have expanded the Italian Studies Minor with new course -WLIT 318 Italian Society Through its Cinema and WLIT 315 Made in Italy–  by developing new courses, establishing the Summer Study Abroad Program in Perugia-Italy, and introducing unique experiential learning opportunities. These initiatives provide students with meaningful ways to immerse themselves in Italian culture both in the classroom and abroad.

As a native Italian, I am committed to offering students an immersive, holistic approach to learning that goes far beyond language acquisition. By blending language study with cultural insights and real-world experiences, I aim to help students gain a profound understanding of Italian society. My love for travel and cultural exploration—particularly through cooking—fuels my teaching and allows me to share Italy’s rich heritage with my students.

Through the Study Abroad program in Perugia and other initiatives, I am thrilled to offer NC State students the chance to make Italy their classroom. This experience not only deepens their appreciation for Italian culture but also equips them with essential intercultural skills that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.

Office Hours

• Mon: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Wed: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

or by appointment

Website

faculty.chass.ncsu.edu/bonaduce/

Area(s) of Expertise

My current academic interests include exploring environmental issues in Italian literature and film, developing Italian for professional purposes classes, and organizing study abroad programs, providing students with a broader perspective on Italian culture and its application in global contexts.