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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High-Achieving Bruzzese Sisters Will Have You Doing Double Take
Alexandra (Allie) and Francesca Bruzzese ’11, identical twins from East Greenwich, R.I., share much more than just DNA. Accepted as early decision applicants, they both double major in Italian and Spanish, studied abroad in Bologna, Italy, and currently rank third …
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Holy Cross Alumna Awarded Fulbright to Teach in Italy
Kathryn Zingarelli, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2007, has been awarded a Fulbright Grant to work as a teaching assistant in Italy.  She is one of five Fulbright recipients traveling to Italy—picked out of …