The 15-credit Italian Language Minor is comprised of the sequence of language courses indicated below. This ensures that the student who has completed this Minor will be reasonably fluent in the language and capable of reading and appreciating written and oral communication in Italian while also having a fair grasp of Italian Literature and culture.

Students who are assessed as sufficiently advanced in the language so as to opt out of one or more of the required language courses may choose from the array of ITALIAN courses, with work done in the target language. The student who takes all 4 language courses is left with one additional course needed to complete the Minor; this course can also be selected from the available ITALIAN courses that are offered regularly, with work done in the target language. At most, one course may be taken in English.

Required Courses

Practica, although required for language classes, do not count toward the minor.

Elective Courses

Course Descriptions

  • ITAL1001 An introduction to the language with practice in reading, writing and conversation.

  • ITAL1002 An introduction to the language with practice in reading, writing and conversation.

  • ITAL1007 This one credit course is linked to ITAL 1001 providing additional reinforcement through exercises that focus on listening and speaking skills

  • ITAL1008 This one credit course is linked to ITAL 1002 providing additional reinforcement through exercises that focus on listening and speaking skills

  • ITAL2003 Course focuses on conversation through writing, reading, literature and grammar.

  • ITAL2004 This course reviews important grammar topics and discusses contemporary issues in Italy.

  • ITAL2005 Development of the Italian cinema from Neo-Realism to today, in particular dealing with Rossellini, Fellini, Desica, Bertolucci, Pasolini, Antonioni and Wertmueller. Taught in English.

  • ITAL3053 Through an exploration of the arts, this course deals with the historical and cultural events that lead to Italy's unification. Focus on: Romanticism, Resorgimento, Scapigliatura, Realism, and the way opera helped create national spirit. Taught in English.

  • ITAL3055 This course examines key moments in the history of Italian immigration, settlement, and integration in North America from the end of the XIX Century to today, through literature and film.

  • ITAL3056 In the last two centuries, Italy has been the source of a large migration outward and in recent years the destination for a large migration forward. This course explores these migrations to and from Italy through literature, film and documentaries, paying particular attention to the North American experience. Taught in English.