Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Italian

Major Description

Italian offers courses in language, literature, film, linguistics, and cultural studies. Our courses beyond Italian language cover Italy’s literary and cultural heritage from Dante to contemporary Italian film. Many courses are taught in Italian, but we regularly offer courses in English, such as Italian cinema and Dante. Majors find that their work in Italian helps prepare them for careers in business, law, science, medicine, international relations and education, among others.

Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • ITAL 101—Elementary Italian I
  • ITAL 102—Elementary Italian II
  • ITAL 103—Intermediate Italian I
  • ITAL 104—Intermediate Italian II
  • ITAL 200—Intro Italian Literature
  • ITAL 210—Practical Review Italian

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities:

Italian prepares students personally and professionally for their future goals.

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  • Critical thinking
  • Creating and clarifying ideas
  • Clear and concise writing
  • Ability to persuade/influence
  • Oral presentation/public speaking
  • Language competence for speaking, writing, reading and listening
  • Good listening, clarifying and responding skills
  • High proficiency in reading, speaking and writing
  • Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Working social and professional competence in Italian
  • Understanding of Italian history, literature, music, and folklore
  • Understanding of cultural differences
  • Account Executive
  • Analyst
  • Anthropologist
  • Archeologist
  • Bilingual Instructor (ESL)
  • CIA or FBI Agent
  • Civil Service Worker
  • Copy Editor
  • Corporate Specialist
  • Customs Official
  • Diplomat
  • Diplomat
  • Foreign News Journalist
  • Foreign Services Worker
  • Foreign Travel Advisors
  • Historian
  • Immigration Specialist
  • Import or Export Agent
  • Information Science Archivist
  • Intelligence Specialist
  • International Engineering Aide
  • Interpreter
  • Italian Language Teacher
  • Language Researcher
  • Linguist
  • Museum Curator
  • Peace Corps Volunteer
  • Scientific Researcher or Translator
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Technical Liaison
  • Textbook Author or Editor
  • Translator

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • The Italian Club: the Italian Program is also home to a thriving Italian Club, organized by undergraduate Italian enthusiasts. The Club promotes Italian language and culture through conversation, guest speakers, and cultural activities.
    • Model European Union:  provides students with an opportunity to learn about and simulate the inner workings of the European Union while attending conferences around the United States. The EU is becoming an increasingly important organization in the world and Model European Union provides students an ability to learn how bills are debated and passed, and is an excellent addition to any student studying or interested in European, International, or Political studies.
    • Graduate Students of French: better serve the needs of students enrolled in a graduate program in French, to organize social and cultural events.
Further Information:

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Italian.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Italian.  These organizations include Modern Language Association and American Association of Teachers of Italian.