Admission to this program has been suspended. Any students wishing to study Italian can now opt to complete a major in Global Studies, with a focus on the Italian language and a region where Italian is spoken.

The major in Italian Studies is designed for students who have a strong interest in Italian culture. The courses in the major give students a wide knowledge of Italian literary and cultural phenomena. Students combine language, culture, and practical skills courses ranging from introductory culture courses and period and genre offerings to seminars treating individual major authors. Italian Studies majors pursue an interdisciplinary curriculum. They are required to take at least two courses in areas such as fine arts, politics, and history that will prepare them for successful careers in politics, law, international business, medicine, education, or the arts.

Curriculum

The Italian Studies major entails 12 courses:

• 3 intermediate and advanced language courses:
  ITAL104, 203, 204 (203 and 204 can be taken out of sequence)
• 2 senior seminars:
  ITAL 488: Senior Special Topics Seminar
  ITAL 489: Research Seminar
• 5 elective courses in Italian Studies, pre-approved by the advisor. At least 2 must be taught in Italian
• 2 elective courses outside Italian Studies, pre-approved by the advisor. Examples of pre-approved courses are: HIST 222, 317; ART 212, 307,319, 320; CLAS 318

Please note that students who place out of one of the language courses (104, 203, and 204) will enroll in additional elective courses.

 

Education Abroad

Italian Studies Majors are required to spend a semester studying abroad in Italy. Students choosing to study in CUA’s Rome program are strongly advised to add a second semester in a Catholic University affiliated program in Italy. All credits earned abroad are eligible for transfer if the student is enrolled in affiliated programs. ITAL 489 must be taken at Catholic University.

Under special circumstances may students petition that the study abroad requirement be waived. In these cases the department will consider summer abroad programs, approved cultural immersion experiences, or internships instead.

Interdisciplinary Course Work

Italian Studies Majors are strongly advised to complete the course work for the Certificate in European Studies or to consider a minor or a second major in a related discipline, such as Art, Drama, History, International Business, Media and Communication Studies, Philosophy, or Politics.