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Italian Studies

Italy is the cradle of western civilization: seat of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church, the cultural center and economic powerhouse of the Mediterranean for nearly two millennia. And because of its geographic situation, it has acted as a bridge between Europe and the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean throughout its history. No nation is more important to Europe's past or more central to its future.

Why Study Italian?

Learning a new language increases your critical thinking and interpersonal communication. These are valuable skills thought leaders, scholars, and businesses seek in today’s competitive global marketplace.

By choosing an Italian Studies major or minor you will: 

  • Learn about Italy’s rich historical, literary, philosophical, and artistic heritage.
  • Master the language and explore the connections between the different cultures and societies of the Mediterranean.
  • Discover Italy’s cutting-edge technological development from fashion and design to astrophysics and medical research.
  • Take advantage of the department’s connections to other universities and our study abroad programs to find your dream career.
  • Rediscover your origins as you learn about the Italian American experience and critical issues, like migration, that still affect our society today.
  • … in short, what you learn from us cannot be replicated by an online translator! 

In what field may you expect to work?

  • International relations
  • Tourism
  • Diplomacy
  • Food and fashion industry
  • Interpreting and translation
  • Marketing and communications
  • International business
  • ... and much more!

About the Italian Program

The Italian Studies minor introduces students to Italian civilization and teaches them the skills that will give them access to contemporary Italy. At the same time, the minor emphasizes Italy's important role in a global context, its history of communication with the rest of the world, and its multi-ethnic future. Students may take courses in Italian language, literature, history, art history, cinema and opera for credit toward the minor.

For students interested in study abroad, we offer two faculty-led study abroad programs in Florence (winter term) and Rome (summer term). We can also provide students with advising to help them select study abroad programs that fulfill their goals. 

The Italian Studies program sponsors a weekly Italian Table, where students can practice their Italian over dinner.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements describing what students will know, be able to do, or be able to demonstrate upon completion of a course or program. They articulate the intended learning of students and are designed to be observable and measurable. Student learning outcomes are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of instruction and informing curriculum development. 

Minor in Italian Studies

Students who complete the requirements for the minor in Italian Studies will should be able to demonstrate the following outcomes:

Communication: Develop intermediate proficiency in oral and written communication in Italian and communicate in a variety of genres. 
 
Analysis & Meaning: Analyze and interpret literary, musical, and visual texts from critical perspectives in English and Italian
 
Intercultural Awareness & Reflection: Acquire knowledge of significant contributions of Italian culture and literature to Western culture. Examine and compare contemporary Italian and American cultures through contextual analysis of social themes and historical perspectives.

Advising and Placement

Advising

For questions relating to Italian courses or advising guidance, please contact:
Dr. Daniele Fioretti
Irvin Hall 208
513-529-7508 Department
513-529-7514 Office

Course Placement

If this is a new language for you (i.e., no prior experience in this language), students should enroll in Italian 101 and do not need to take a placement exam or advisement evaluation.

If you have taken Italian in high school, then the general rule is that one year of high school instruction is equal to one semester of university-level instruction. If you have had previous experience or education in this language and are not sure about which course you should enroll in, please talk to the language advisor prior to enrolling in a language course. The language advisor would be able to interview briefly and recommend the best placement based on your written, spoken, listening, literary, and cultural competence.

Courses that Meet the Miami Plan

CAS-A Requirement (Foreign Language)

  • ITL 101 - Beginner's Course I (4 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 102 - Beginner's Course II (4 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 201 - Second Year Italian I (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 202 - Second Year Italian II (3 Credit Hours)

CAS-B Requirement (Humanities)

  • ITL 221 - Italy, Matrix of Civilization (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 231 - Italian Food Cultures in Context (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 262 - Italian Cinema (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 301 - Culture, Society and Politics in Perspective (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 302 - Introduction to Italian Literature (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 362 - Mafia and Cinema (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 364 - From Marco Polo to Machiavelli (3 Credit Hours)

Perspective Areas (PA3B - Humanities)

  • ITL 221 - Italy, Matrix of Civilization  (3 Credit Hours)

Perspective Areas (PA4B - Intercultural Consciousness)

  • ITL 222 - Italian American Culture  (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 362 - Mafia and Cinema  (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 279 - Made in Italy (6 Credit Hours)

Perspective Areas (PA4C - Global Inquiry)

  • ITL 231 - Italian Food Cultures in Context  (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 221 - Italy, Matrix of Civilization (3 Credit Hours)
  • ITL 279 - Made in Italy  (6 Credit Hours)

Signature Inquiry (Sustainability and Resilience) 

  • ITL 231 - Italian Food Cultures in Context (3 Credit Hours)

Signature Inquiry (Power, Justice, and Social Change)

  •  ITL 221 - Italy, Matrix of Civilization (3 Credit Hours)

 

Department of French, Italian, and Classical Studies

400 E. Spring Street
105 Irvin Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-1480
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