Italian Studies (B.A.)

Our Italian studies major combines courses in Italian language, literature, art, music, history, and film to expand your mind -- and your horizons. Flexibility is built into the curriculum. You can focus in depth on Italian language and literature, or take an interdisciplinary approach by selecting courses in areas such as art history, theater arts, English, television-radio, history, and religious studies. You will also study a second language of your choice.

In addition to the close relationships you'll enjoy with our faculty, you'll have the benefit of our top-notch language center with Italian satellite television and an extensive Italian film collection; an active student club that hosts coffee hours, bocce tournaments, and theme parties; and a chapter of the Italian national honor society, which provides scholarship opportunities. Students have also been awarded competitive scholarships from the National Italian-American Foundation. Amici, the new Italian language and culture learning community, provides opportunities to immerse yourself in the Italian language and culture with conversation groups and events.

When you're ready to road test your knowledge of Italian language and culture, you may enroll in the College’s summer program in Siena. As you stroll through local piazzas and study the city's art and architecture, you'll have plenty of opportunities to practice your conversational Italian. You may also spend a full semester abroad at one of our affiliated programs in Milan, Rome, or Siena.

In today's global marketplace, foreign language skills and intercultural understanding open doors to international careers. Italian studies majors graduate with excellent communication skills that enable them to set their own course, whether it's a career in international relations or business, to a future in the fashion or tourism industries, or graduate study.