Italian Studies

Degree Awarded:  Bachelor of Arts

The major in Italian Studies allows students to examine and experience a culture that is foundational to Western art, literature, cuisine, and design.  Through coursework in language acquisition and grammar, film, literature, architecture, and history, students gain valuable skills as well as insight into another culture.
Opportunities for study and internships abroad allow students to immerse themselves in language and culture other than their own, gain practical experience, and to enlarge their intellectual and personal horizons.  A concentration in Italian language, culture, and professional and social practices is one option as well within the International Business major, and speaks to the value and importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness for success in the global economy.

Related Links: Why Study Italian? Italian Culture Club Schedule (2012 - 2013) DisCanto: Italian Music from Abruzzo Cleveland Italian Film Festival 2012 Italy Study Trip 1 Italy Study Trip 2

Since the ancient Roman times, Italy has been exporting its civilization, literature and culture around the world (in particular in the western world), in the areas of Latin literature, "Romanitas," humanism, science, fine arts, history, political & moral thought, music, film, fashion, design, car industry and cuisine. Italy has produced some of the most remarkable cultural works of the western civilization (i.e. Michelangelo's frescos and sculptures, Leonardo da Vinci's and Galileo's genius, Dante's Divine Comedy, Verdi's and Puccini's operas, Fellini's Dolce Vita, etc.).

The major in Italian Studies allows you to understand, appreciate, and analyze this treasury of human expression; allows you to broaden your cultural and intellectual horizons. It also allows you to interact with the Italian communities spread around the world, and can surely improve employment opportunities for graduates wishing to interact with a vibrant, multicultural and economically active global society.

The major and minor in Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the study of the Italian language, culture and literature and its manifestations in history, and its usage in the present cultural and social context. For more information about the program and the possibility of studying in Italy or in Switzerland, please contact the foreign language department.

Requirements for this Major:

40 semester credits including:

• IT 102 Beginning Italian II (4 SH)
• IT 201 Intermediate Italian (4 SH)
• IT 220 Italian Conversation (4 SH)
• IT 211 Introduction to Italian Culture & Civilization (4 SH)
• IT 170-79/270-79/370-79 Special Topics in Italian (2-4 SH)
• IT 331 Advanced Italian (4 SH)

and 16 semester credits from the following:

• IT 300 Italian Translation (2 or 4 SH)
• IT 301 Italian for the Professional Environment (4 SH)
• IT 338 Readings in Italian/Italophone Literatures & Cultures I (2 or 4 SH)
• IT 339 Readings in Italian/Italophone Literatures & Cultures II (2 or 4 SH)
• IT 411 Introduction to Dante's Divine Comedy (4 SH)
• IT 412 Studies in Contemporary Italian Literature and Culture (4 SH)
• IT 413 Introduction to Italian Renaissance (4 SH)
• IT 420 Introduction to Italian Fine Arts (2 or 4 SH)
• IT 422 Studies in Italian Cinema (2 or 4 SH)
• IT 490 Senior Research Project (2 or 4 SH)
• IT 250/350 Internship in Italian (1-4 SH)
• IT 170-79/270-79/370-79 Special Topics in Italian (2-4 SH)

Note: There may be specific credit hour requirements for Internships. Students should review requirements with their academic advisor.