Italian Studies

Italian Studies: Major, Minor 

The Italian Studies program at Holy Cross offers you the opportunity to begin or continue your study of Italian language, literature, and culture through rich course offerings and diverse opportunities for cultural immersion both in the classroom and beyond.

Through dynamic courses taught by distinguished faculty members, you will acquire critical language skills that are reinforced by small group practice sessions led by native Italian foreign language assistants. Whether you declare a major or minor, you will gain a broader understanding of the Italian literary tradition and culture, and learn to think and write critically as you master a different language. 

While the program’s courses are taught in Italian, at least one course is offered in English each year, so if you are just beginning your study of Italian you will also be able to examine more advanced topics in literature and culture. If you are interested in expanding your studies, various options are available, including studying abroad in Italy, where you can perfect your language skills and fully immerse yourself in Italian culture. 
 

Program Highlights

The Italian Studies curriculum consists of:

  • language courses that range from elementary to advanced levels; 
  • literature courses spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary Italy; and
  • culture courses.
Goza
Study Abroad

Enhance your study of Italian by studying abroad in Florence or Bologna.

students serving pasta
Opportunities

See Italian culture come to life beyond the classroom through regular co-curricular programming.

Foreign Language Assistants sitting in a group
Foreign Language Assistants

Practice your Italian in small practice sessions led by Italian foreign language assistants.

Italian Studies News

photo collage, Alpha Sigma Nu recipients
31 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society
Thirty-one Holy Cross students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu,  the Jesuit honor society founded in 1915, at a virtual ceremony held recently. The new inductees exemplify the society’s values of excellence in scholarship, loyalty and service.  Selection to Alpha …
Image
Holy Cross Students Reflect, Find Tranquility Through Off-Campus Retreats
When Christine Church ’20 told her friends last spring that she was taking part in a five-day silent retreat, the reaction was anything but quiet. “They said, ‘oh, I could never do that. I could never be silent for five days.’” …
A student leads a tour of campus
A Tour Guide’s Guide to Holy Cross
What should students expect in their first year at Holy Cross? How do students spend their free time? Is it true the College brings food trucks to campus on some Fridays? Five current Holy Cross tour guides — Caitlin Keaveny …