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Italian Studies, B.A.

Studying Italian at ¶¶Òõpro provides much more than proficiency in a foreign language. The small, vibrant Italian studies program gives students access to a rich curriculum drawing from centuries-long contributions in literature, architecture, painting, sculpture, music, philosophy and science. Experience one of Europe's major languages and explore Italy's role in the development of Western Civilization and its ties to non-Western cultures.

Additional program highlights include:

  • The SLU Italian studies program is the only inter/multi-disciplinary Italian program in the greater St. Louis area.
  • The SLU Italian studies program offers more study abroad options in Italy than any language program in the Greater St. Louis area, including Rome, the beautiful Amalfi coast in Sorrento and the medieval university city, Bologna.
  • The SLU Italian studies program is unique with its strong emphasis on social justice, intercultural competence and global citizenship.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Italian studies program is inter/multidisciplinary. The focus of the Italian studies major is the development of linguistic and cultural proficiency within this inter/multidisciplinary context.

In collaboration with other departments and programs, students may take courses in other areas such as fine and performing arts, philosophy, theology, history, English, women's and gender studies, film, international studies and the Honors Program to tailor their curriculum to suit their needs and interests.

Students are also strongly encouraged to select a second major; virtually any other discipline can be considered, including history, political science, psychology, theology or the sciences. By becoming a double major, students will significantly improve opportunities when entering the workforce, particularly in government service or when applying for graduate study, especially in language and area studies programs.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, the Italian program offers several opportunities to enrich classroom learning. La Tavola Italiana (The Italian Table) meets weekly at SLU's Center for Global Citizenship to provide informal conversation opportunities to all students at SLU. Italian movie nights give students a chance to learn about daily life in Italy as well as cultural and historical topics. The student-directed Italian Club also hosts a variety of activities, including cooking classes, Bocce games and outings.

A wide variety of study abroad programs in Italy are available for students of Italian, including study at the Spring Hill College Italy Center in Bologna, the Sant'Anna Institute in Sorrento, the Babilonia Center in Taormina, the Loyola University Rome Campus and the Villa Nazareth in Rome.

Careers

An undergraduate degree in Italian studies prepares students for many rewarding careers. Opportunities are rich in fields such as literature, performing arts, cinema, design, politics, sports, fashion and industry. Hundreds of American companies operate in Italy. Students might pursue a career as a(n):

  • International business representative
  • International public relations professional
  • Special agent
  • Foreign Service officer
  • Linguist
  • Teacher
  • Interpreter/translator

Admission Requirements

¶¶Òõpro also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any ¶¶Òõpro undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of ¶¶Òõpro. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • ¶Ù±ð³¾´Ç²Ô²õ³Ù°ù²¹³Ù±ðÌýEnglish Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at ¶¶Òõpro
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a ¶¶Òõpro education:

  • Scholarships:ÌýScholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid:ÌýFinancial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visitÌýwww.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  1. GraduatesÌýwill be able to interact in Italian.
  2. GraduatesÌýwill be able to interpret authentic materials in Italian.
  3. GraduatesÌýwill be able to present information formally in Italian.
  4. GraduatesÌýwill be able to use Italian in order to expand their knowledge of other disciplines.
  5. GraduatesÌýwill be able compare their own culture(s) with the Italian culture.

Italian Studies students must complete a minimum total of 30 creditsÌýfor the major.Ìý

Those who begin their study of Italian at SLU above the 3010 level must complete an additional course or courses at the 4000 level to fulfill the remaining credits required for the major.

Required Courses
University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý2010Intermediate Italian: Language & Culture3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3010Written Communication in Italian I3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3020Oral Communication in Italian I3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý4010Written Communication in Italian II3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý4020Oral Communication in Italian II3
Italian Elective Courses
Select six credits of coursework with the Italian Elective attribute. These courses could include, but are not limited to:6
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3301
Madonnas, Witches, Rebels: Women and Gender in Italy - Major/Minor
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3401
Dante’s Divine Comedy - Major/Minor
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3451
Mafia and Antimafia in Italian Culture: Perceptions, Representations, Experiences - Major/Minor
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3551
Women, Knights, Weapons & Love: Medieval and Renaissance Italian Literature- Major/Minor
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3601
Eros, Power and Play: Pre-Modern Italian Theatre - Major/Minor
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3651
Italy Beyond Borders: Social Justice in Modern Italian Culture - Major/Minor
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3930
Special Topics
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý4930
Special Topics
Related Studies
Upper-division coursework with the Italian -- Related Studies attribute, such as:9
´¡¸é°Õ±áÌý3020
Christian Art: Advanced
´¡¸é°Õ±áÌý3500
Early Renaissance Art in Italy: Advanced
´¡¸é°Õ±áÌý3510
High Renaissance Art Italy: Advanced
±á±õ³§°ÕÌý3050
From Cathedrals to Printing Presses: Europe in the Late Middle Ages
±á±õ³§°ÕÌý3090
The Age of Renaissance
³¢³¢°äÌý3250
Migrants and Borders on Screen: The Cinema of Migration in Mediterranean Europe
²Ñ±«³§°äÌý3300
History of Music I
²Ñ±«³§°äÌý3310
History of Music II
±Ê±á±õ³¢Ìý4500
Medieval Philosophy
³§±Ê´¡±·Ìý4110
Language and Linguistics
³§±Ê´¡±·Ìý4130
Second Language Acquisition
°Õ±á·¡°¿Ìý3370
Teachers in Medieval Christianity
°Â³Ò³§°ÕÌý3300
Intercultural Communication
General Electives55-58
Total Credits120

Continuation Standards

All Italian studies major courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher to count for the major and for the student to continue in the major.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate and/or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
  • Complete department-/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through ¶¶Òõpro or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through ¶¶Òõpro or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.Ìý Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý1010 Communicating in Italian I 3
±á±õ³§°ÕÌý1110 Origins of the Modern World to 1500 3
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2-3
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University CORE 6
ÌýCredits15-16
Spring
ITALÌý1020
or ITALÌý1200
Communicating in Italian II 1
or Intensive Italian for Gamers
3
HISTÌý1120 Origins of the Modern World (1500 to Present) 3
University CORE 9
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý2010 Intermediate Italian: Language & Culture 3
HISTÌý2800 Historian's Craft: Methods Proseminar 2 3
University CORE 9
ÌýCredits15
Spring
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3020 Oral Communication in Italian I (or ITALÌý3030 Advanced Oral Communication in Italian ) 3 3
A European History course 2 3
A US History course 2 3
University CORE 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3010 Written Communication in Italian I 4 3
Select one of the following: 3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3401
or ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3551
or ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3601
Dante’s Divine Comedy - Major/Minor
or Women, Knights, Weapons & Love: Medieval and Renaissance Italian Literature- Major/Minor
or Eros, Power and Play: Pre-Modern Italian Theatre - Major/Minor
Ìý
A US history course 2 3
A World history course (Non-European & non US history) 2 3
University CORE 3
ÌýCredits15
Spring
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý4020 Oral Communication in Italian II 3,5 3
ITAL 3301/3451/3651 Madonnas, Witches, Rebels: Women and Gender in Italy - Major/Minor (Modern & Contemporary) 3 3
History major elective 2 3
History major elective 2 3
University CORE 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý4010 Written Communication in Italian II 4,5 3
Related Studies elective outside of department 6 1
History major elective 2 3
Select one of the following capstone courses: 2 3
HISTÌý4900
or HISTÌý4910
or HISTÌý4991
Seminar in European History
or Internship/History in Practice
or History Senior Thesis
Ìý
University CORE 3
General Electives 2
ÌýCredits15
Spring
Related Studies elective outside of department 6 3
History major elective 2 3
Related studies elective outside of department 6 3
University CORE 3
General Electives 3
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits120-121
1

ITALÌý1200 Intensive Italian for Gamers (0,3 cr)Ìýis equivalent to ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý1010 Communicating in Italian I (0,3 cr) + ITALÌý1020 Communicating in Italian II (0,3 cr).

2

Second major course, see program notes.

3

Offered only in spring.

4

Offered only in fall.

5

Can be taken after ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3010 Written Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr) or ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3020 Oral Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr).

6

See list of approved electives in program notes below.

Program Notes

If a student places below ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý2010 Intermediate Italian: Language & Culture (0,3 cr) (third semester) on the placement test, the student would first take ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý1010 Communicating in Italian I (0,3 cr) and/or ITALÌý1020 Communicating in Italian II (0,3 cr) (or ITALÌý1200 Intensive Italian for Gamers (0,3 cr) in substitution for both ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý1010 Communicating in Italian I (0,3 cr) and ITALÌý1020 Communicating in Italian II (0,3 cr)), pending placement exam placement.

If a student places above ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý2010 Intermediate Italian: Language & Culture (0,3 cr) on the placement test, e.g into ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3010 Written Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr) (fourth semester) or even ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3020 Oral Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr) (fifth semester), the student would begin their coursework for the Italian major at either ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3010 Written Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr) or ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3020 Oral Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr) and would take an additional two ITAL 4xxx courses (if placed into ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3010 Written Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr)) or an additional ITAL 4xxx course (if placed into ±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3020 Oral Communication in Italian I (0,3 cr)) to complete the 30 credits in the major.

It is very common for students majoring in a foreign language, Italian in this case, to have a second major. History was chosen for this roadmap as the second major since many students elect it as a major alongside the Italian major. Requirements for the history major are shown in bold and italics to highlight when a student who chose another major would take courses in that major.

Courses offered in Italian studies with an Italian elective attribute: Italian Elective Coursework (6 credits). These courses could include, but are not limited to:

±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3301Madonnas, Witches, Rebels: Women and Gender in Italy - Major/Minor3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3451Mafia and Antimafia in Italian Culture: Perceptions, Representations, Experiences - Major/Minor3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3551Women, Knights, Weapons & Love: Medieval and Renaissance Italian Literature- Major/Minor3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3601Eros, Power and Play: Pre-Modern Italian Theatre - Major/Minor3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3651Italy Beyond Borders: Social Justice in Modern Italian Culture - Major/Minor3
±õ°Õ´¡³¢Ìý3930Special Topics3

Approved courses offered in other departments with a Related Studies attribute for Italian majors. Italian Related Studies Attribute Coursework (9 credits). These courses could include, but are not limited to:

´¡¸é°Õ±áÌý3020Christian Art: Advanced3
´¡¸é°Õ±áÌý3500Early Renaissance Art in Italy: Advanced3
´¡¸é°Õ±áÌý3510High Renaissance Art Italy: Advanced3
±á±õ³§°ÕÌý3050From Cathedrals to Printing Presses: Europe in the Late Middle Ages3
±á±õ³§°ÕÌý3090The Age of Renaissance3
³¢³¢°äÌý3250Migrants and Borders on Screen: The Cinema of Migration in Mediterranean Europe3
²Ñ±«³§°äÌý3300History of Music I3
²Ñ±«³§°äÌý3310History of Music II3
±Ê±á±õ³¢Ìý4500Medieval Philosophy3
³§±Ê´¡±·Ìý4110Language and Linguistics3
³§±Ê´¡±·Ìý4130Second Language Acquisition3
°Õ±á·¡°¿Ìý3370Teachers in Medieval Christianity3
°Â³Ò³§°ÕÌý3300Intercultural Communication3