Bachelor of Arts in Italian

Program Overview

The Italian Studies (BA) program at the University of Manitoba equips students with proficiency in Italian language, a deep understanding of Italian culture and society, and critical analysis skills. The program offers three-year and four-year degree options, with courses in language, literature, culture, and history, as well as opportunities for language immersion through study abroad programs. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in areas such as journalism, diplomacy, education, business, and academia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Italian Studies (BA) program at the University of Manitoba provides students with the opportunity to master the Italian language, develop an in-depth understanding of Italian culture and society, and explore the diverse career prospects that proficiency in Italian can lead to.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the skills to communicate effectively in Italian, critically analyze Italian literary texts and cultural artifacts, and gain an appreciation for the historical and contemporary significance of Italian culture and society.
• Program Description: The Italian Studies (BA) program offers three-year and four-year undergraduate degree options, as well as a minor in Italian.
The three-year BA General degree requires the completion of 90 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses in the chosen major. The four-year BA Advanced degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all faculty-required courses. Students in the BA Advanced program can choose either a major and minor program of study or double major in lieu of a minor. The program includes courses in Italian language, literature, culture, and history, as well as opportunities for language immersion through study abroad programs.

Outline:

• Program Content:
• The Italian Studies program comprises courses in the following areas:
• Language: Students develop a strong foundation in Italian language through courses that focus on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Culture: Courses in the culture section of the program explore various facets of Italian culture, history, and society.
These courses cover topics like art, music, cinema, and contemporary political and social issues.
• Literature: This component involves the study of Italian literature from its medieval and Renaissance origins to the present day, providing a deep understanding of the major works in the Italian literary tradition.
• Course Schedule and Modules:
• Year 1: Focuses on developing a solid foundation in Italian language through core courses (ITLN 1080 and ITLN 2200) while introducing Italian culture and literature through optional courses.
• Year 2: Builds upon year 1, with courses in Italian literature and cultural studies.
Students will have further immersion opportunities through courses abroad or language-exchange programs.
• Year 3 (for BA General)/ Year 4 (for BA Advanced): Includes a range of advanced-level courses in areas like Italian cinema, translation, and culture, while offering the option for students to carry out an independent research project or pursue an internship with an Italian-speaking organization.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Student achievement in the Italian Studies program is assessed through various measures:
• Class participation and discussions: Active and engaged participation in lectures, seminars, and workshops contribute towards the overall assessment.
• Essays and research papers: Students will write essays and complete research papers that demonstrate their analytical and writing skills in Italian.
• Presentations: Students will deliver presentations on topics related to Italian studies, evaluating their communication and comprehension abilities.
• Exams and tests: Regular quizzes and exams are used to evaluate students' grasp of the language and their understanding of Italian cultural and literary texts.
• Language proficiency assessments: Students' language proficiency is measured through standardized tests and oral exams, ensuring they meet the program's language requirements.
• Portfolio submissions: For advanced-level courses, students may have the option of creating portfolios featuring a selection of their best academic works.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
• Upon completing the Italian Studies program, graduates may pursue diverse career paths in areas where proficiency in Italian language, culture, and society is an asset.
• Career prospects encompass various sectors, including journalism, diplomacy, education, business, tourism, and academia.
• Opportunities and Outcomes:
• Graduates with a bachelor's degree in Italian Studies can find opportunities as:
• Italian Language Instructors in universities, colleges, or language schools, imparting language skills to students and helping promote cultural understanding.
• Translators and Interpreters in international organizations or companies, facilitating cross-cultural communication between Italian and English-speaking entities.
• Cultural Specialists or Event Coordinators, organizing events, exhibitions, and programs showcasing Italian culture and fostering connections between communities.
• Researchers, focusing on Italian literature, history, culture, or other related disciplines, seeking to advance knowledge and understanding in their field of interest.
• Writers and Journalists, utilizing their command of the Italian language and knowledge of Italian culture to inform, engage, and entertain audiences through articles, books, and creative works