These four sessions will explore the Italian peninsula from the Alps to Sicily, focusing on the cities, landscape, history, cuisine, and sights of eight of the most important regions of the nation.

Convener:  Christopher Nissen received his Ph.D. in Italian from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, subsequently serving as a professor of Italian language and literature at Northern Illinois University from 1988 until his retirement in 2019.  He is the author of numerous studies of Italian literature.

The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50 plus who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just Learning for the Fun of It.