The courses in the Department of Italian are designed to develop the student’s proficiency in all the language skills and to present the literary and cultural traditions of Italy. The program of study is to be planned as early as possible with the director of undergraduate studies. Students are advised to meet with the director of undergraduate studies each semster in order to obtain program approval.

For students with no knowledge of Italian the required language course sequence is ITAL V1101-V1102 and ITAL V1201-V1202. For students planning to enroll in Intensive Italian courses a minimum of three semesters of Italian language instruction is required such as: ITAL V1121, ITAL V1201, ITAL V1202 or ITAL V1101, ITAL V1102, ITAL V1203 or ITAL V1121, ITAL V1203, and one of the following ITAL V3333, ITAL V3334, ITAL V3335. Italian language proficiency equivalent to the elementary and intermediate sequence may be demonstrated by the departmental placement test, offered before the start of every semester, or with a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination, or with a score of 780 or higher on the SAT II Subject Test in Italian. As noted above, courses given entirely in English do not have linguistic prerequisites; students planning a major in Italian may enroll in such courses before completing the language prerequisite to the major or concentration.

For a Major in Italian Literature

Requirements

At least 30 points in Italian courses numbered above ITAL V1302, to include the survey of Italian literature ITAL V3333-V3334, either the senior thesis/tutorial ITAL V3993, or another course in Italian literature or culture. The advanced sequence ITAL V3335 and ITAL V3336 or ITAL V3337 is also required and is counted towards the 30 points for the major. Native speakers and students with superior proficiency (as demonstrated by a departmental exam) may replace the advanced sequence with 6 points of Italian literature courses of their choice.

Period Distribution

At least two courses that cover material before 1700 and two courses that cover material after 1700.

Related Courses

Majors must also complete at least 12 points from courses taken in other humanities and/or social science fields to be chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies.

Study in another foreign language is strongly recommended, especially for those students planning to attend graduate school.

For a Major in Italian Cultural Studies

Requirements

At least 30 credits in Italian courses numbered above ITAL V1302, to include the Italian cultural studies sequence ITAL W4502-W4503, at least two other courses from the department’s W4000-level offerings, either the Senior thesis/tutorial ITAL V3993 or ITAL V3993 , or another course in Italian literature or culture. The advanced Italian sequence ITAL V3335 and ITAL V3336 or ITAL V3337. Native speakers and students with superior proficiency (as demonstrated by a departmental exam) may replace the Advanced sequence with 6 credits of Italian literature courses of their choice.

Period Distribution

At least two courses that cover material before 1700 and two courses that cover material after 1700.

Related Courses

At least 12 points (as for the Italian literature major, see above).

For a Concentration in Italian Literature

At least 24 points in Italian courses numbered above ITAL V1302, to include ITAL V3333-V3334,  ITAL V3335, and ITAL V3336 or ITAL V3337.  In addition, students must complete at least 12 points in related courses (as for the Italian literature major).

For a Concentration in Italian Cultural Studies

At least 24 points in Italian courses numbered above ITAL V1302, to include ITAL V3335 and or ITAL W4502-W4503, and at least two other courses from the department’s W4000-level offerings. In consultation with the director of undergraduate studes, the remaining courses may be chosen from the department’s 3000- or 4000-level offerings or from other humanities and social science departments with a focus on Italian culture. In addition, students must complete at least 12 points in related courses (as for the Italian cultural studies major).