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Requirements and Courses

Our courses develop students’ skills in language and introduce them to the variegated field of Italian Studies
Students can improve their understanding of Italian culture by focusing on language and translation, literature, art, film, music, and Italian cultural studies, which encompasses transnational history, human rights and media. For students with no previous knowledge of Italian, an intensive program (one semester of study followed by four weeks in Italy) is offered every spring.
Core Program

Core Program

The Italian Language Intensive class in the Spring is followed by the study abroad program in Taormina, Sicily over the Summer. Successively, students of Italian can improve their language skills and move towards intermediate- and advanced-level classes: the program allows students to develop critical thinking and a multidisciplinary knowledge of Italy’s civilization. Italian Studies can be pursued as a stand-alone major, but designing a joint-major with another discipline is encouraged and fully supported.

Requirements

  • Moderation
    By the time of Moderation, a student must have attained a high level of Italian proficiency and be able to display mastery of the language, spoken and written. Moderation course requirements:
    ● ITAL 106 (8 credits) or equivalent + ITAL 107 Study Abroad in Italy (4 credits) or equivalent
    ● ITAL 201 Italian Intermediate I (4 credits) or equivalent
    ● ITAL 202 Italian Intermediate II (4 credits) or equivalent
    ● 4-credit Italian Studies elective (may be taught in English)
  • Graduation
    After Moderation, a student is required to take one Italian Studies course per semester (at least one of which should be at the 300 level, in Italian). Students are strongly encouraged to spend a semester abroad in Italy during their junior year. Graduation Course Requirements:
    ● 4-credit Advanced Italian course
    ● 4-credit Italian Studies course
    ● 4-credit Italian Studies course
    ● 4-credit Italian Studies course
    ● 4-credit elective course cross-listed with Italian Studies
    ● Senior Project I
    ● Senior Project II

Language Requirement

A student must present evidence of proficiency in the Italian language and demonstrate in some form (e.g., a representative essay, performances, tapes, artworks) the ability to collect and integrate material with the skills needed to undertake and complete a significant Senior Project.

Second Focus Requirements

Students who wish to pursue a second focus in Italian Studies must complete the following:

• Italian 106, Intensive Italian
• Italian 107, Summer Abroad in Italy (may be substituted with a 200- or 300-level course crosslisted with Italian Studies and taught in English)
• Italian 201, Intermediate Italian I
• Italian 202, Intermediate Italian II
• One 200- or 300-level course cross-listed with Italian Studies and taught in English, or a 200- level advanced Italian course

Courses and Course Plan

  • Core and Current Courses
    The Italian Studies program courses develop students’ skills in language and introduce them to Italian culture. Students can focus on language and translation, literature, art, film, music, or the field of Italian Studies. Core courses include ITAL 106 Intensive Elementary Italian, ITAL 201 Intermediate Italian, and ITAL 280 Advanced Conversation and Composition.
  • Sample Four-Year Plan
    Please note that there are many different paths through the Italian Studies major. Talk to your academic adviser about your own situation and goals.

Contact the Italian Studies Program

Franco Baldasso
Tel: 845-758-7377
Email: [email protected]