Italian Studies Minor
The Italian Studies program at Holy Cross offers students the opportunity to begin or continue their study of Italian language, literature, and culture through rich course offerings and diverse opportunities for cultural immersion both in the classroom and beyond. Through dynamic courses taught by distinguished faculty members, students acquire critical language skills that are reinforced by small group practice sessions led by native Italian foreign language assistants. Both majors and minors gain a deeper understanding of the Italian literary tradition and culture, becoming analytical thinkers and writers as they master a different language simultaneously. While the program’s courses are taught in Italian, at least one course is offered in English each year so that students just beginning their study of Italian may also examine more advanced topics in literature and film. Students interested in expanding their studies may consider various options, including studying abroad in Italy, where they can perfect their language skills and fully immerse themselves in Italian culture, and pursuing a self-designed interdisciplinary major or minor in Italian language and culture.
Department Advanced Placement Policy
Students with AP credit in Italian language and culture earn placement in the curriculum but not progress toward the minimum number of courses required by the minor. Students who take a course that duplicates the AP award in Italian will forfeit the AP credit. Students with AP credit in Italian language and culture will not be permitted to enroll in a course below the 300 level.
Requirements
The minor consists of a minimum of 6 courses in Italian language, literature, and culture beyond the elementary level and includes the following courses:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| Required courses: | |
| Intermediate Italian 1 and Intermediate Italian 2 | |
| Italian Comp & Conv | |
| Three Italian elective courses: | |
| Dante | |
| Boccaccio's Decameron | |
| Italian Philology | |
| Intro to Contemporary Italy | |
| Twentieth Century Novel & World War 2 | |
| 19th Century Novel | |
| One elective may be taught in English: | |
| Art & Antiquity in 16C Italy | |
The remainder of the courses taken to fulfill the minor requirements may include any combination of the other courses offered by the Italian section such as literature, cinema, Special Topics, and tutorials (taken either during the third or fourth year of study). Students may take a maximum of one course in English: an Italian course taught in translation or an approved course in related departments such as History, Music and Visual Arts.
Students who choose to minor in Italian are strongly encouraged to study in Italy. Of the courses taken in Florence two courses may be applied to the minor. Certain courses taken abroad may be accepted as the equivalent of the specific requirements listed above or as elective courses. Students who spend their third year in Italy may declare the minor during the first semester of their fourth year, however it is recommended that they declare before departing.
All students who minor in Italian are required to take one course in their fourth year. Students may not take a course in English in their fourth year without the consent of the Italian Coordinator.