Department of Law, Economics, and Culture - DiDEC

The Department of Law, Economics and Cultures (DiDEC) was established in 2011, building on the experience of the former Faculty of Law. Today, it brings together expertise in the fields of legal and economic sciences, with a particular focus on historical, linguistic and sociological studies. These diverse areas of knowledge are harmoniously integrated within the degree programmes offered by the Department, and they also shape its scientific research activities, which are developed across numerous individual strands as well as within thematic research areas and centres, supported by a strong commitment to interdisciplinarity.

Positioning itself as a key partner for the local area and for the various institutions operating within it (ranging from professional bodies to businesses, from companies in the tourism sector to public administrations), the Department has developed considerable experience in promoting educational pathways aimed at external audiences. In particular, through advanced training and professional development programmes, it has responded to the diverse needs and demands arising not only from the Province of Como, but also from the Province of Varese, where a Master’s degree programme in Law is also offered.

In recent years, DiDEC has also pursued a significant expansion towards internationalisation, both through the implementation of internationally oriented research projects involving several highly active academic staff in both basic and applied research, and through the organisation of two double degree programmes: one in Law with the University of Nantes in France, and another in Modern Languages for International Cooperation with the University of Seville in Spain.

This international outlook is further reinforced by other important initiatives promoted by the Department, such as the establishment, since 2019, of a UNESCO Chair (www.uninsubria.it/cattedra-unesco), dedicated in particular to “Gender Equality and Women’s Rights in the Multicultural Society”, which collaborates with numerous international universities.

DiDEC offers a range of academic programmes structured across the different scientific areas on which the Department is founded. It provides a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Studies, as well as two Master’s degree programmes: a single-cycle degree in Law and a degree in Modern Languages for Communication and International Cooperation. 
The Department’s educational offer is further enriched by a first-level Master’s degree in “Gift Promotion” and a PhD programme in “Law and Human Sciences”, accredited as international and interdisciplinary in nature.

The research activity pursued within DiDEC spans the various scientific and disciplinary sectors represented in the Department, which, according to the classifications of the CUN, fall particularly within the Legal and Economic Areas. 
The individual research themes are organised into four major overarching lines, concerning: Fundamental Rights, Legal Pluralism, Religious Pluralism and Conflict Mediation; Environment, Tourism and Territory; People, Enterprises, Markets; Multilingualism, Cultural Heritage, Institutions. 
Some research strands also take on a multidisciplinary nature, facilitated by the distinctive educational offer of the Department which, unique in Italy, allows Law studies to be complemented by courses on economic and business issues and on interlinguistic and intercultural mediation, in the spirit of mutual integration.

The Department has always been able to engage with the Insubria territory, undertaking numerous initiatives aimed at responding to the needs of the two provinces of Como and Varese, while at the same time offering cultural services to the full range of public and private institutions operating in these areas, services that are carefully tailored to the unique characteristics of each province. 
DiDEC has therefore carried out and continues to carry out a wide variety of activities as part of its Third Mission, reflecting the diversity of its research and teaching programmes. In pursuing interdisciplinary dialogue and interaction with the local area, the Department has successfully developed a dynamic network of relationships and cultural initiatives that integrate with its core scientific and educational activities.

DiDEC has its main headquarters for teaching and research activities at the Chiostro di Sant'Abbondio in Como, but also operates in Varese, at the Bizzozero Campus, in the Morselli and Seppilli buildings, making use of classrooms and computer laboratories at both locations. 
The Department Library (Law Library), still located in Como at the old premises in Via Bossi, enriched with book collections and valuable archival materials, remains a fundamental support tool for scientific research, offering consultation of books, journals and databases, as well as borrowing services, including interlibrary loans. 
At the Sant’Abbondio site there is a library of Roman Law and Ancient Studies dedicated to Professor Giorgio Luraschi, which, in addition to materials purchased by the Department, includes important collections from eminent scholars: Arnaldo Biscardi, Gerardo Broggini, Aristide Calderini and Francesco Guizzi. 
In Varese, the Economics Library is available for faculty and students, located on Via Monte Generoso, containing numerous books and journals, including legal studies. 
The Department staff, directly involved in research and teaching activities (academic staff, research fellows, PhD students) or supporting these activities (technical and administrative staff), together with the students, form a diverse and structured community, open to plural dialogue among the various scientific and cultural perspectives present within it.