Susan Amatangelo

Susan Amatangelo is a Professor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures at the College of the Holy Cross, where she also serves as Director of the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program. Her academic work bridges Italian literature, gender studies, and cultural analysis, with a focus on modern and contemporary prose, women writers, and literary representations of gender and identity.

Her research interests center on modern Italian literature, particularly the works of Giovanni Verga and Dacia Maraini, and explore themes such as gender, war, identity, and the Italian diaspora. She has published extensively on female brigands, women in war, and autobiographical narratives, contributing to a deeper understanding of women’s roles in Italian literary and historical contexts.

The trends in her recent publications reflect a sustained interdisciplinary focus on gender and national identity in 19th and 20th century Italy. Her work combines literary criticism with historical and cultural analysis, often highlighting marginalized female voices. Key themes include the Verismo movement, Sicilian identity, post-unification banditry, and feminist reinterpretations of canonical texts.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Arthur J. O'Leary Faculty Recognition Award (2006–2008)
• Faculty Marshal for Holy Cross Commencement (1999, 2005, 2019)
• Research and Publication Grant for indexing of Italian Women at War (2016)
• Batchelor (Ford) Summer Fellowship for Italian Women at War book project (2013)
• Hewlett-Mellon Presidential Discretionary Fund Fellowship for Italian faculty curriculum workshop (2010–2011)

Susan Amatangelo has secured multiple research grants and fellowships that have supported her editorial and scholarly projects. She has advised students through her teaching in Italian language and literature courses and her leadership in the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program. While specific graduate advisees are not listed, her mentorship is evident in her curriculum development and interdisciplinary outreach.

She is affiliated with scholarly projects and workshops focused on Italian studies and gender, contributing to faculty development and program innovation. Her editorial work on Italian Women at War demonstrates collaborative engagement with other scholars and institutions.