Italian Studies (Minor) Learning Goals

Upon completion of their course of study, Italian Studies students demonstrate:

  • Proficiency in Italian across the four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), as well as a high level of cultural competency.
  • The critical skills necessary to read, analyze and interpret a variety of texts (literary, visual, historical) through writing, discussion and other forms of analytical and creative expression.
  • A nuanced understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of Italian society, and of Italy’s roles in the contemporary world.
  • An understanding of Italian history from the medieval period to the present day, and the complexity of the cultural, economic, religious and political currents that have shaped the lives of Italians.
  • Familiarity with canonical and non-canonical works of Italian literature and art and with the cultural and historical contexts that gave rise to them.
  • An understanding of Italian contributions to diverse realms of intellectual and artistic endeavor, which have had global influence, including theatre, film, literature, art, science and political thought.