The Italian major at Holy Cross provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts. Students who take courses in Italian language, culture, and literature acquire skills that are essential in today's global society: how to speak, read, and write in another language; how to understand and embrace a culture different from one's own; and how to think critically about cultural stereotypes. In addition, Italian majors study the "classics" of Italian (and world) literature, ranging from Dante's Divina Commedia to masterpieces of the twentieth century, and develop the ability to analyze literary texts and film. Although the major consists mainly of Italian language, culture, and literature courses, students may take up to two courses in related fields, such as Italian history, music, art history, and political science, to complete the program.
Students who have a passion for Italian may fear that pursuing a major in Italian is impractical. Yet, like all Holy Cross students, Italian majors graduate with a degree in the liberal arts, which enables them to pursue a wide variety of graduate programs and professions once they leave the College. Since the creation of the Italian major, graduates have successfully entered careers in business, medicine, and law, to name a few. The communication and analytical skills that Italian majors acquire during their four years at Holy Cross have proven to be invaluable assets when they enter a wide variety of fields.
Many Italian majors consider career paths that directly relate to their studies. Such students have pursued graduate degrees in Italian, music, art, architecture, and political science. Fields that require a knowledge of Italian language, culture, and literature include education (teaching Italian at the secondary and post-secondary levels); the arts (performance, conservation, and administration); journalism; international relations; fashion and design; and tourism.
The Italian major consists of a minimum of 10 courses, which begin at the Intermediate level or above. The major is designed in such a way as to permit even those students who begin their study of Italian in their first year at the College to complete the major. Six of the ten courses are requirements (in language and literature) while the remaining four are electives and may be fulfilled with a variety of courses. Most Italian literature courses (several of which are taught in English translation) satisfy the College's Common Requirement in Literature. For more detailed information on the requirements for the Italian major, please see the College Catalog.
The Italian program offers all of its students the opportunity to spend their third year in Florence, Italy. The Holy Cross Florence program has been consistently successful and popular with students for the academic, cultural, and social enrichment it provides. Italian majors are not required to study abroad, but are strongly encouraged to do so. |
