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.
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:
In what field may you expect to work?
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.
The Italian Studies major introduces students to Italian civilization and teaches them the skills that will give them access to contemporary Italy. At the same time, the major 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 major.
Urbino Italy is a very popular study-abroad destination for Miami students, second only to the Miami campus at Luxembourg in yearly enrollments. Students may take our summer language courses in Urbino, a beautiful Renaissance city in northern Italy. Or they may register in a wide range of approved courses, offered by other Miami departments and by other universities.
The Italian Studies program sponsors a film series every year, and a weekly Italian Table, where students can practice their Italian over dinner.
The department makes available a Student Handbook that contains invaluable information regarding the majors/minors, department policies, and overall guidance structure of the department as you progress in your studies of French, Italian, and Classical Studies.
A graduate of Italian studies can offer an employer the ability to read, write, and think analytically about a broad range of human concerns. In addition to Global Miami Plan Foundation courses, you would immerse yourself in learning the Italian language and culture.
This minor offers certified recognition of proficiency in Italian language and successful completion of a program in Italian culture and literature. It increases your understanding of a culture of major influence.
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
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.
At graduation, we expect that our majors can:
