Program Overview
The Italian Studies program at this institution offers a comprehensive curriculum in Italian language, culture, and literature, fostering critical thinking and appreciation for Italian diversity. Students can tailor their studies with electives and capstone options, preparing them for careers in teaching, translation, business, government, and non-profit organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Italian Studies program offers courses in Italian language, culture, literature, history, and cinema, as well as courses on Italian American culture. The program provides opportunities both to achieve high competence in Italian language and culture and to apply these knowledge skills to other disciplines. The Italian studies program encourages independent and innovative thinking and research so that students may pursue and achieve individualized goals while they prepare for the challenges of thriving in the world community.
- Objectives: The objectives of the Italian Studies program are to:
- Provide students with a strong foundation in Italian language and culture.
- Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Foster students' appreciation for the diversity of Italian culture.
- Prepare students for a variety of careers in which knowledge of Italian language and culture is an asset.
- Program Description: The Italian studies major curriculum consists of 10 courses (40 credits) that include:
- 16 credits at the 600-level or above
- 24 credits in ITAL course electives (up to two courses in Classics (CLAS), Humanities (HUMA) or from the list of approved electives may substitute for two of these courses.)
- One of the following Discovery capstone requirements:
- Honors Thesis (ITAL 796)
- Senior Thesis (ITAL 795)
- ITAL course at the 700-level (ITAL 733 or ITAL 775)
- Advisor approved 4-credit internship (ITAL 595)
- Advisor approved semester immersion experience in Italy (INCO 685 or INCO 686)
Outline:
The Italian Studies program is divided into three main areas:
- Language: Students will take courses in Italian language, grammar, and conversation.
- Culture: Students will take courses in Italian history, literature, art, and cinema.
- Electives: Students may choose from a variety of electives in Italian studies, including courses in Italian American culture, Italian business, and Italian law.
Assessment:
Students in the Italian Studies program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Students will take exams in each of their courses.
- Essays: Students will write essays on a variety of topics related to Italian language and culture.
- Presentations: Students will give presentations on their research projects.
- Portfolio: Students will compile a portfolio of their work in the program.
Teaching:
The Italian Studies program is taught by a team of experienced faculty who are passionate about teaching Italian language and culture. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lecture: The faculty will give lectures on the history, culture, and language of Italy.
- Discussion: The faculty will lead discussions on the readings and assignments.
- Independent study: The faculty will supervise students' independent study projects.
Careers:
Graduates of the Italian Studies program may pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Teaching: Graduates may teach Italian language and culture at the secondary or post-secondary level.
- Translation: Graduates may work as translators or interpreters.
- Business: Graduates may work in international business or for Italian companies.
- Government: Graduates may work for the government in a variety of roles, including diplomacy and intelligence.
- Non-profit organizations: Graduates may work for non-profit organizations that focus on Italian culture or international affairs.
