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.

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

Abby Connolly '22 and Grace Acquilano '22 stand and laugh in their dorm room
Roommate Confidential: Q&A with Two First-Year Holy Cross Students
First-year roommates share more than four walls — they experience navigating the leap into college together. To get a peek at the ins and outs of the first semester on The Hill, we went right to the source — to …
Sunset over Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, Italy
Holy Cross’ Long-Term Study Abroad Programs Recognized for Tenth Year in a Row
This year, 86 Holy Cross students are spending the year — yes, the entire year — around the world in Germany, China, Italy, Argentina, Ireland, Spain, France, Australia, Senegal, Scotland, England, Japan and Sri Lanka. What’s more, another 140 students …
Allie Barry '19 (holding volleyball) and head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose (in white) along with this season's volleyball team in the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex.
Holy Cross Women’s Volleyball Team Tops National Community Service Challenge
For the first three months of 2018, Holy Cross women’s volleyball beat the competition with their service and assists of a different kind — those they performed off the court. And they did it without even trying. “It was really …