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Italian

  • Minor

The Italian minor program of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages allows students to develop skills in Italian and to broaden and deepen their understanding of one of the world’s richest cultural traditions. The department’s mission is to prepare and enable students, through the acquisition of a second language, to participate in a multilingual and multicultural world.

The Italian language program employs a culture-based communicative approach that fosters the requisite skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing Italian. Cultural awareness is integrated at every level of study.

Curriculum Requirements

  • Requirements for a Minor in Italian

    Requirements for Italian Minor (18 credits):
    A minor in Italian requires 6 courses beyond IT 203.

    Required Courses ( 12 credits):
    IT 305 Developing Oral Proficiency in Italian - 3 credits
    IT 315 Stylistics: Techniques of Composition and Interpretation - 3 credits 
    Any 300 level course in literature - 3 credits
    Any 300 level course in culture and civilization - 3 credits 

    Elective:
    Any two courses from the 200 or 300 level - 6 credits

    Study abroad is essential to attain proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing Italian. Students, therefore, who wish to minor in Italian are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Courses must be taught in the target language, i.e., in Italian. A minimum of a 9-credit summer program or one semester of study in Italy would qualify. For students who are not able to study abroad, language study in an immersion setting may be substituted. All programs must be approved by the department chair. 

Program Highlights

Results

The Italian minor requires 18 credits including Developing Oral Proficiency in Italian and Stylistics: Techniques of Composition and Interpretation, as well as courses in literature and culture and civilization. Students minoring in Italian are strongly encouraged to study abroad. The minor develops skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Italian, and prepares graduates to participate in multilingual and multicultural communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who minor in Italian have the opportunity to

  • develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating Italian.
  • develop an awareness and appreciation of Italian culture.
  • engage in cross-cultural comparisons.
  • make connections with other disciplines of study.
  • participate in multilingual communities abroad or in the U.S.