The study of Italian language provides access to Italy's profoundly distinctive culture which includes a deeply engaging literature and civilization, world renown art, music, cinema, cuisine, and its famous trade marks in fashion and design. Moreover, as a member of the European Union, Italy plays a fundamental role, on the international scene, in major economic decisions affecting the United States and global economies. 

As part of its requirements, the major in Italian Studies includes courses dedicated to Italian language, literature (taught both in Italian and English), and Culture.

Offered by the Department of Romance Languages, the major in Italian Studies has a distinctive interdisciplinary approach, incorporating, in its curriculum, courses offered by other departments on campus. Such courses enrich the major by focusing on the Italian literary, artistic, historical, and political background. 

Students who major in Italian Studies have the opportunity of spending from a semester up to a year in Italy, choosing from several officially approved Academic Programs Abroad.

Sample Classes:

• Elementary Italian
• Dante's Inferno
• Special Topics: In Search of Identity
• Modern Italian Literature
• Composition and Conversation

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