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.
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Study Abroad

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

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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

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Blog: ‘A Commitment to Service’ Helped Draw Casey ’18 to Holy Cross
NAME Amy Casey ’18 HOMETOWN Philadelphia STUDIES Major in English and Italian WHY SHE CHOSE HOLY CROSS “I fell in love with Holy Cross’ friendly people, gorgeous campus, and commitment to service.” ACTIVITIES Resident Assistant, College Democrats (co-chair) WHAT SHE’S MOST LOOKING …
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28 Holy Cross Students Inducted into Jesuit Honor Society
Twenty-eighty students from the class of 2014 at the College of the Holy Cross were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society, on October 27. Alpha Sigma Nu seeks out students at Jesuit institutions of higher learning who …
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Video: Students Say Studying Abroad Is Invaluable, Transformative Experience
Imagine building recreational facilities and promoting healthy life choices to children in Russia. Or translating poems into English and watching them turn into a book in Italy. Or quickstepping your way to a national ballroom dance title in England. For …