Major: Italian
Italian astronomer, mathematician, and physicist Galileo Galilei may have confirmed that the earth revolves around the sun, but for Italian majors, the world revolves around
As an Italian major, you will study Italian literature in the original, often in the larger context of Italian history and culture.
Italian majors learn how to speak, write, and read Italian. They also study Italian literature.
“Like Michelangelo’s art, Dante’s Divine Comedy has shown me the degree to which beauty is inexhaustible … Italy too is inexhaustible; there’s always something new to discover there.””
Robert E. Proctor, Joanne Toor Cummings ’50 Professor of Italian, Connecticut College
Are You Ready To...?
- Read Petrarch and Dante in the original
- Watch film and TV in Italian
- Talk politics and culture with native speakers
- Learn about such topics as the Italian-American experience and Italian colonialism in
It Helps to Be...
Ready to experience a perspective very different from what many Italians think is our American workaholism. You may fall in love permanently with a place that emphasizes beauty and enjoyment over material success.
College Checklist
- What is the average class size, particularly in beginning Italian?
- Does the department take an interdisciplinary approach?
- What language facilities and technology does the department offer?
- Does the department sponsor cultural activities, such as special meals where you’ll practice your Italian while you eat?
- Does the program offer a study-abroad program?
Did You Know?
- According to UNESCO,
Course Spotlight
The study abroad experience is an important one for the Italian major. To prepare, you might take survey courses in Italian literature and culture before going overseas. An alternative is to take an intensive survey course while in
If you choose the second option, you might focus on improving your Italian writing skills. It won’t all be hard work, though. You’ll probably take guided trips around and outside
