The Minor

To complete a minor in Italian Studies students must

1. demonstrate ability in Italian language through the intermediate level and
2. complete five courses (15 credit hours) of coursework.

1. The language of modern Italy is Italian. Inasmuch as cultural mores and concepts are reflected and communicated in language, if one wants to begin to access the richness and complexity of Italy, one must achieve at least minimal proficiency in the language. Hence, all students pursuing the minor are expected to demonstrate ability in Italian at the intermediate level. They can meet this language expectation by:

1. successfully completing Intermediate Italian (IT 101 and 102) or
2. passing a placement test administered by university faculty that verifies competency through the intermediate level.

Note: Completion of this requirement is not considered a prerequisite for coursework in the minor. Instead, students are permitted to begin minor coursework during, or prior to, the fulfillment of the language expectation.

2. Five courses (3 credits each). At least four of the courses must be Italy-focused (i.e., dealing exclusively with Italy), or Italian language and literature courses at the Continuing level (IT 121-122) or above. The fifth course may be another Italy-focused course, or it may be an Italy-component course in which at least half of the course material deals with Italy.

Note: No more than three of the five courses may be completed in a single discipline.

While study abroad is not required for completion of the minor, participation in the University's program in Florence, Italy (fall, spring, or summer sessions) is strongly encouraged.