Dr. Mariani’s journey into academia began with a BA in Modern Foreign Languages and Literature from the University of Bologna, where she specialized in English and Hispano-American literature. She furthered her education with an MA in Sociolinguistics at Bologna before earning a Ph.D. in Italian Literature from Rutgers University, focusing on 20th-century Italian theater. Her dissertation explored the influence of the unconscious in theater, particularly in works by Luigi Pirandello and other playwrights within the grotesque movement. In 2008, she relocated to Knoxville, where her husband, Brendan McConville, accepted a position at the University of Tennessee. There, she began her career as a lecturer of Italian and Spanish, later progressing to assistant professor and, in 2022, associate professor. Her expertise in Italian and Spanish language instruction and her research in Italian theater, cinema, and media have deeply enriched her teaching and scholarship at UTK. She also directs the Bologna Summer Abroad program and teaches courses on Italian language, cinema, television, art, literature, and culture.
Dr. Mariani believes in fostering an interactive, inclusive, and student-centered environment in her teaching. Her experiences teaching various Italian language, literature, and film courses have shaped her philosophy, highlighting the importance of experiential learning. By directing student theater productions or leading analyses of Italian films, she connects content to student’s personal experiences and global perspectives. She incorporates a “flipped” classroom model, using tools like videos and platforms like Kahoot and Mentimeter to accommodate diverse learning styles. At the core of her approach is the conviction that language and culture instruction extends beyond grammar and history to cultivating a global mindset, tolerance, and real-world skills. She aims to nurture independent thinkers who can bridge classroom learning with real-world applications.
She is particularly proud of her impact on students, offering immersive, creative experiences that have inspired many to explore the Italian language and culture further. For example, in her Italian Theatre and Performance course, students performed an entire play in Italian, enhancing their language skills and cultural appreciation. These experiences have led many to major or minor in Italian, participate in study abroad programs, and join the Italian Club. Her work directing the Bologna Summer Abroad program has profoundly shaped students’ lives, helping them gain confidence, cultural awareness, and global perspectives that influence their careers long after they return.
One of Dr. Mariani’s career highlights is directing the Bologna Summer Abroad program, an experience that has underscored the transformative potential of cultural immersion. She recalls one student’s journey from linguistic uncertainty and cultural shock to fluent, confident engagement with Italian life. This experience reinforced her commitment to experiential learning and inspired her course structure, aiming to bring that immersive, hands-on engagement into her teaching back in Knoxville.
Reflecting on the future of teaching and learning, she envisions an increased focus on flexibility, technology, and student-centered practices. Dr. Mariani foresees that digital tools like AI platforms, multimedia, and virtual collaboration will further enhance engagement, especially as education becomes more hybrid and digital. However, she also values experiential learning, such as study abroad and community projects, as essential for fostering cultural awareness and critical thinking. For faculty, embracing new methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and inclusivity will be vital in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education and preparing students for a rapidly changing world.