COURSE CURRICULUM

The Italian Studies major is a 40-credit interdisciplinary program focused on developing advanced proficiency in Italian language while also engaging deeply with Italy’s literature, history, cinema, culture, and its broader global influence, including Italian American studies. The program requires all courses to be completed with a minimum grade of C and expects students to maintain a 2.5 GPA after declaring the major, particularly to remain eligible for study abroad opportunities, which are strongly emphasized as part of the learning experience. Students are required to complete at least 16 credits of upper-level (600-level or above) coursework to ensure advanced language and cultural competency, along with 24 credits of Italian language and culture electives, some of which may be substituted with approved courses in Classics, Humanities, or related disciplines. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and interdisciplinary, allowing students to integrate Italian Studies with fields such as history, philosophy, international affairs, art history, film studies, economics, and global studies. This structure encourages students to connect Italian language learning with broader intellectual and cultural contexts, strengthening both linguistic fluency and analytical skills. A key component of the major is the capstone experience, which can take multiple forms including a senior seminar (ITAL 701W), independent study or thesis projects, an advanced 700-level course, a practicum or internship, or a study abroad immersion experience in Italy through INCO-approved programs. This flexibility allows students to tailor their final academic experience to their interests and career goals, whether academic research, professional development, or cultural immersion. Elective options span a wide range of disciplines, including art history, philosophy, political science, film, music, economics, and sustainability, reinforcing the program’s interdisciplinary nature. Overall, the Italian Studies major prepares students for global careers and graduate study by combining language mastery with cultural literacy, critical thinking, and international engagement.