For More Information
Contact Undergraduate Advising Head Richard Lansing.
Italian Studies
Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
Brandeis offers students the opportunity to focus on the cultural heritage of Italy from the inception of the Italian language to the present day. The study of Italy’s language and creative achievements enables a student to explore another culture in depth in preparation for study abroad and eventual graduate work or related opportunities in the workplace.
Curriculum Overview
Italian studies offers an interdisciplinary major and a minor for those who wish to extend their study beyond language to areas of Italian literature, history, film, art history and music. The study of Italian within a variety of cultural contexts enables students to deepen their understanding of a national heritage beyond the boundaries of a single time frame, region, gender, genre or academic discipline.
Students in the program work closely with an adviser to develop an individualized plan of study that balances the exploration of a broad range of topics and sectors with a focus on a single discipline or cultural period.
The major requires nine courses:
- One advanced language course
- Three literature courses
- Four Italian-related culture courses
- Completion of either a senior essay or senior thesis
The minor requires five courses:
- One advanced language course
- One literature course
- Two Italian-related culture courses
- One elective
Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad during their junior year, for either one or two semesters. Equivalent or appropriate courses taken abroad may count toward the major.
Opportunities beyond the Classroom
In addition to studying abroad, students are encouraged to take advantage of resources within the Boston Area Consortium (Boston College, Boston University, Tufts University and Wellesley College).