Courses of Study
Sections
Italian Studies
Last updated: August 23, 2011 at 4:48 p.m.
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.
Italian studies provides a minor and an independent major (through an Independent Interdisciplinary Major or IIM) for those who wish to extend their study of Italian beyond language and culture 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.
Italian Studies is an interdepartmental program that prepares students to explore and understand several aspects of Italian culture while broadening analytical skills in related disciplines. Students who wish to pursue a minor will be required to take five courses from a range of disciplines, which include advanced Italian Language and Culture, Literature, Film Studies, Art History, Italian History, Music, and Classical Studies. The pursuit of these interests takes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to study the culture of Italy from antiquity to the present both in depth and in breadth. Those who wish to pursue Italian Studies further can petition for an Independent major and discuss with the Italian Studies Faculty options for fulfilling the requirements. In such a case, the requirement is nine courses from the same core of suggested disciplines, including three additional courses given in Italian Language (such as Ital 110: Intro to Ital lit, Ital 120: Modern Ital Lit, Ital 128: Mapping Italian Culture, Ital 134: Italian Jewish Culture) offered at Brandeis or their equivalent taken through study abroad or the offerings of consortium institutions in Boston.
1. Knowledge:
- An understanding of the fundamental contributions of Italy to the development of vernacular European literature, the Visual Arts and Architecture since Antiquity, and Western Music. In all of the fields, especially the latter, much of the technical terminology and core forms and concepts are Italian in origin.
- Familiarity with the major writers, artists, monuments, and composers who contributed to the historical pre-eminence of Italian culture in literature (1300-1600), art and architecture (100 B.C.E -500 C.E.; 1250-1700), and Music (1500-1725).
- An appreciation of the continuing dynamism and vitality of Italian culture from the Napoleonic era through the Risorgimento and to the present day in literature, music, opera, fine arts, architecture, film, design, and fashion.
- An understanding of the key moments in Italian political history from the rival republics and princely courts of the Renaissance, to the unification during the Risorgimento, to the importance of the Italian Kingdom and Republic in European and Global affairs of the past century. Related to this is an understanding of the role these political entities played in fostering Italian culture.
- An understanding of the social and religious diversity of Italy in the historical past and evolving present. This includes the dominant and fraught role of the Catholic Church and Papal States in Italian history and society, as well as minority communities.
2. Core Skills
- To attain proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
- To communicate and express oneself in Italian at the expected range of proficiency (Intermediate-high to advanced-low for the minor, and from advanced-low to advanced-high for the independent major) in both everyday and academic settings.
- To write prose clearly and effectively in Italian.
- To acquire essential analytical skills in relation to art, literature, film and music, and the ability to think critically about primary texts/ works and the interpretative claims in the secondary literature.
3. Study Abroad
All students are strongly encouraged to study in Italy for a semester, a full year, or in intensive summer programs. Study abroad provides students with daily interaction in the target language and enables them to achieve two goals:
- Greater linguistic precision in speaking, reading, writing and listening to the language.
- The experience of living and learning the culture in an authentic setting.
- The Italian Studies minor/independent major will obtain a greater understanding of human diversity based on the study or experience of different social backgrounds and settings, especially that obtained through time spent abroad.
4. Social Justice:
- Italian humanist thinkers and political philosophers are essential to the development of historical and modern political theory as it applies to the Republic, Absolutism, Constitutional Democracy, Fascism, and Communism. Throughout its history, Italian political entities have served, for better or worse, as the venues for the implementation of such theories, thereby revealing both intended and unintended consequences of social interactions among diverse economic, cultural and religious communities.
5. Upon Graduation:
- The Italian Studies minor or independent major will have the background to embark on graduate studies in Italian and/or Comparative literature.
- The Italian Studies minor or independent major can employ one’s mastery of language and cultural background in any number of fields in which Italy makes a major contribution: Design, fashion, film, architecture, studio art, art history, hospitality, tourism, cuisine, international business, Italian teaching, and translation. A minor or independent major in Italian Studies conspicuously enhances credentials in applying to graduate programs in these fields.
Students interested in learning more about the minor in Italian Studies or about studying abroad are encouraged to speak with the Undergraduate Advising Head. Students interested in an independent major option in Italian Studies should contact Academic Services for more information on how to apply.
The foreign language requirement is met by successful completion of a third semester course (numbered in the 30s) in the language program. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in order to be eligible to enroll in the next course in the language sequence.
Students who have earned a 4 or a 5 on an Advanced Placement exam in Italian Language and Culture, or students who have earned a 620 or higher on the SAT II Italian language exam are exempted from the language requirement at Brandeis University. Students with questions about the language requirement or who would like to take an exemption exam should contact the Director of Language Programs.
To choose the appropriate course, students need to take a placement exam. It is a self-graded exam that can be accessed online at www.brandeis.edu/registrar/newstudent/italtest.html. After finishing the exam, students should complete the questionnaire online. The Director of Language Programs will then contact each student to discuss placement. Students who fail to take the placement exam will not be permitted to enroll.
If a student has a score of 620 or above on the Italian SAT II, the language requirement is automatically fulfilled and the students is eligible to enroll in 100-level courses. See "How to Become a Major or a Minor" above.
Minors in Italian Studies are encouraged to study abroad for all or part of their junior year.
Paola Servino, Co-Chair and Undergraduate Advising Head
(Romance Studies)
Jonathan Unglaub, Co-Chair
(Fine Arts)
Seth Coluzzi
(Music)
William Kapelle
(History)
Alice Kelikian
(History)
Richard Lansing (on leave academic year 2011-2012)
(Romance Studies)
Charles McClendon
(Fine Arts)
A. One advanced language course: ITAL 105a or ITAL 106a.
B. Two upper level courses in Italian: ITAL 110a, 120b, 128a, or 134b.
C. Any two of the Italian Studies electives listed below or two other courses on Italian-related culture approved by the student’s Italian Studies advisor.
Courses of Instruction
(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students
ITAL
10a
Beginning Italian
Prerequisite: Students enrolling for the first time in an Italian Studies course at Brandeis must take the online placement exam at www.brandeis.edu/registrar/newstudent/italtest.html. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in ITAL 10a in order to enroll in a 20-level Italian Studies course.
For students who have had no previous study of Italian. A systematic presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Italian culture, with focus on all five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and socio-cultural awareness. Usually offered every year in the fall semester only.
Ms. Servino or Staff
ITAL
20b
Continuing Italian
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ITAL 10a or the equivalent. Students enrolling for the first time in an Italian Studies course at Brandeis must take the online placement exam at www.brandeis.edu/registrar/newstudent/italtest.html. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in ITAL 20b in order to enroll in a 30-level Italian Studies course.
For students with some previous study of Italian. Continuing presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Italian culture and practice of the four language skills. Special attention to reading and writing skills, as well as guided conversation. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Servino or Staff
ITAL
30a
Intermediate Italian
[
fl
]
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in ITAL 20b or the equivalent. Students enrolling for the first time in an Italian Studies course at Brandeis must take the online placement exam at www.brandeis.edu/registrar/newstudent/italtest.html. Students must earn a C- or higher in ITAL 30a in order to enroll in a 100-level Italian Studies course.
Readings in contemporary Italian short stories, newspaper and journal articles, and short essays of cultural interest will be supplemented by video presentations (opera, film, "filmati," and "telegiornale" from RAI) designed to enhance oral comprehension. Typical themes include social conflicts (Fascism, the problem of the "Mezzogiorno") and cultural phenomena (feminism, art, geography). Review of grammar includes written exercises and short compositions. Usually offered every fall.
Ms. Servino or Staff
ITAL
92a
Internship in Italian Studies
Staff
ITAL
97a
Senior Essay
Students should consult the Undergraduate Advising Head before enrolling. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed ITAL 97b.
Offers students an opportunity to produce a senior essay under the direction of an individual instructor. Usually offered every fall.
Staff
ITAL
97b
Senior Essay
Students should consult the Undergraduate Advising Head before enrolling. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed ITAL 97a.
Offers students an opportunity to produce a senior essay under the direction of an individual instructor. Usually offered every spring.
Staff
ITAL
98a
Independent Study
May be taken only with the written permission of the Undergraduate Advising Head.
Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every year.
Staff
ITAL
98b
Independent Study
May be taken only with the written permission of the Undergraduate Advising Head.
Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every year.
Staff
ITAL
99d
Senior Thesis
Students should consult the Undergraduate Advising Head before enrolling.
Usually offered every year.
Staff
(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students
IECS
140a
Dante's Divine Comedy
[
hum
]
Open to all students. Conducted in English with readings in English
translation.
A close study of Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso as a symbolic vision of reality reflecting the culture and the political, philosophical, and theological thought of the Middle Ages. Readings to include the Vita Nuova, the Aeneid (Bk. 6), and selections from the Bible, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, and St. Thomas' Summa Theologicae. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Lansing
ITAL
105a
Italian Conversation and Composition
[
fl
hum
wi
]
Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.
Provides students with an opportunity to develop their oral and written proficiency in Italian, while familiarizing themselves with different facets of contemporary Italian culture and society. Readings will be supplemented by films and recordings. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Servino or Staff
ITAL
106a
Advanced Readings in Italian
[
fl
hum
]
Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.
Close study and analysis of representative works of Italian literature (prose, poetry, drama) and culture (art, history, music, cinema, politics) designed to enhance the student's reading skills. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Servino or Staff
ITAL
110a
Introduction to Italian Literature
[
fl
hum
]
Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.
Surveys the masterpieces of Italian literature from Dante to the present. It is designed to introduce the student to the major authors and literary periods, styles, and genres and present an overview of the history of the literature. Conducted in Italian. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Servino
ITAL
120b
Modern Italian Literature
[
fl
hum
]
Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.
Focuses on the literature of twentieth-century writers such as Moravia, Pavese, and Pirandello, as well as on several contemporary figures, with emphasis on the theme of historical, individual, and familial identity within the context of traumatic socio-economic upheaval and transformative cultural events. Several films based on these works will also be examined, with emphasis on an analysis of cinematic innovation. Conducted in Italian. Usually offered every other year.
Ms. Servino
ITAL
128a
Mapping Modern Italian Culture: Inherited Conflicts
[
fl
hum
oc
]
Prerequisites: ITAL 105a or 106a. Conducted in Italian with Italian texts.
Covers a broad range of cultural topics that exemplify creative responses to historical events and social dilemmas that have shaped contemporary Italian culture. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Servino
ITAL
134b
Nella cultura ebraica italiana: cinema e letteratura
[
fl
hum
wi
]
Prerequisite: ITAL 105a or equivalent. Conducted in Italian. Materials fee: $20.
Analyzes Italian Jewish representations in Italian culture from the founding of the ghetto in Venice in 1516 to modern times. Works of Italian Jewish writers and historians are examined as well as Italian movies that address Jewish themes within the mainstream of Italian culture. This course has an interdisciplinary approach while focusing on advanced Italian language skills. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Servino
Electives
CLAS
115b
Topics in Greek and Roman History
[
hum
wi
]
Topics vary from year to year and the course may be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Topics include the Age of Alexander the Great, the Age of Pericles, the Greekness of Alexander, and Imperialism in Antiquity. See the Schedule of Classes for the current topic. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Walker
CLAS
134b
The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Rome
[
ca
hum
]
This is an experiential learning course.
Surveys the art and architecture of the ancient Romans from the eighth century BCE to the end of the empire in Sicily, mainland Italy (with focus on Rome, Ostia, Pompeii, and Herculaneum), and in the Roman provinces. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Koloski-Ostrow
CLAS
145b
Topics in Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology
[
ca
hum
]
This is an experiential learning course. Topics vary from year to year and the course may be repeated for credit. Topics include women, gender, and sexuality in Greek and Roman text and art; daily life in ancient Rome; ancient technology; and Athens and the golden age of Greece. See Schedule of Classes for the current topic and description. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Koloski-Ostrow
CLAS
150b
Pompeii: Life in the Shadow of Vesuvius
[
ca
hum
]
This is an experiential learning course. Examines Pompeii and Herculaneum, buried by Vesuvius in 79 CE, using the ancient cities' art, architecture, and wall writings to understand the social, political, economic, and religious realities of Roman life on the Bay of Naples, especially in the first century CE. Usually offered every third year.
Ms. Koloski-Ostrow
FA
45b
Art of the Early Renaissance in Italy
[
ca
]
May not be taken for credit by students who took FA 51a in prior years.
Examines major painters, sculptors, and architects in Florence, Rome, and Venice from Giotto to Bellini (1290-1500). Important themes include the revival of Antiquity, the visual arts and the culture of Humanism, the Rise of the Medici, art and the ideal of the Republic, the development of art theory and criticism, Naturalism and the Sacred image, and the relation of artists and patrons during times of crisis (black death, Pazzi Conspiracy, and Savonarola). Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Unglaub
FA
46b
High and Late Renaissance in Italy
[
ca
]
May not be taken for credit by students who took FA 58b in prior years.
Examines the major works of art produced in Italy in the sixteenth century. It focuses on the principal centers of Florence, Rome, and Venice. The foremost artists of the age, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian, receive in-depth coverage. The course also considers the social institutions, ecclesiastical, courtly and civic, that furnished the patronage opportunities and promoted the ideas that occasioned, even demanded, new artistic forms of grace and harmony, energy and torsion. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Unglaub
FA
48a
Baroque in Italy and Spain
[
ca
]
May not be taken for credit by students who took FA 60a in prior years.
The artistic spectacle of papal Rome and Hapsburg Spain is explored. The works of Caravaggio, Bernini, and Velazquez capture the contradictions of the age: sensuality/spirituality, ecstasy/piety, degradation/deliverance, realism/idealism, exuberance/restraint, and statecraft/propaganda. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Unglaub
FA
145a
St. Peter's and the Vatican
[
ca
]
May not be taken for credit by students who took FA 45a in prior years.
The history, growth, and development of Christendom's most famous shrine, with particular concern for the relationship between the design and decoration of the Renaissance/baroque church and palace complex and their early Christian and medieval predecessors. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. McClendon
FA
191b
Studies in Renaissance and Baroque Art
[
ca
wi
]
Open to Fine Arts majors and minors, Italian Studies minors, and Medieval and Renaissance minors only. Topics may vary from year to year; the course may be repeated for credit as topics change.
Usually offered every third year.
Mr. Unglaub
HIST
123a
The Renaissance
[
ss
]
Culture, society, and economy in the Italian city-state (with particular attention to Florence) from feudalism to the rise of the modern state. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Kapelle
HIST
139b
Fascism East and West
[
ss
]
A comparative analysis of dictatorship in Europe, Japan, and Latin America during the twentieth century. Topical emphasis on the social origins, mass culture, and political organization of authoritarian regimes. Usually offered every third year.
Ms. Kelikian
HIST
140a
A History of Fashion in Europe
[
ss
wi
]
Looks at costume, trade in garments, and clothing consumption in Europe from 1600 to 1950. Topics include sumptuous fashion, class and gender distinctions in wardrobe, and the rise of department stores. Usually offered every third year.
Ms. Kelikian
HIST
170a
Italian Films, Italian Histories
[
ss
wi
]
Explores the relationship between Italian history and Italian film from unification to 1975. Topics include socialism, fascism, the deportation of Jews, the Resistance, the Mafia, and the emergence of an American-style star fixation in the 1960s. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Kelikian
NEJS
151b
Ghettos, Gondolas, and Gelato: The Italian Jewish Experience
[
hum
ss
]
Topics include the Jews of classical antiquity, attitude of church and state toward Jews, ghetto, Jewish merchants and moneylenders, Renaissance and the Jews, Marranos and the Inquisition, raison d'état, emancipation, Holocaust, and communities today. Usually offered every second year.
Staff