Major and Minor in Italian
An Italian Studies major assures exceptional competence in Italian, allowing students to work extensively and closely with literary and cultural artifacts that language makes possible. Building on their linguistic proficiency consolidated in the language program, majors expand that proficiency to a wide variety of Italian texts. This training exercises and assures our students' ability to analyze texts and contexts, as well as to conceive, articulate, and defend an original idea.
Italian Studies minors reap similar benefits, albeit to a lesser extent, by attaining linguistic proficiency and taking at least two advanced courses.
Language Courses for the Major and Minor
Students begin the program at the level most appropriate for their linguistic proficiency. For advisement about elementary and intermediate level placement, contact Prof. Brian O’Connor (oconnobc@bc.du). For advisement at the post-intermediate level, contact Prof. Mattia Acetoso (acetoso@woheshijie.com).
Italian Studies majors and minors may begin their program with Conversation, Composition and Reading I (ITAL 2213) or II (ITAL 2214).
Major Requirements
30 Credits (10 three-credit courses), which must include:
18 credits (6 advanced courses) in Italian literature or culture (5000 level and above)
12 credits (4 elective courses) to be chosen from the following:
ITAL 2213 and ITAL 2214 Italian Conversation, Composition and Reading I and II (as entry-level courses only)
Additional courses at the 5000 or 8000 level.
Related courses with departmental permission.
Notes and Conditions
An Advanced Placement high school course in Italian with an exam score of 4 or 5 will count toward the Italian Studies major as 1 three-credit elective.
Italian Studies majors are required to enroll in at least one advanced course (5000 level and above) each semester of their senior year, regardless of whether they have completed the ten-course requirement for the major.
One-credit practicum courses do not count for the major.
Maximum total transfer credit toward the major from study abroad: 15 credits (5 three-credit courses) for one year of study; 9 credits (3 three-credit courses) for one semester of study. No RLL credit will be granted for courses abroad conducted in English taken during a semester or academic year program.
Credit toward the Italian Studies major will be granted for courses taken abroad
(1) conducted in Italian; (2) of a sophistication and level of expectations appropriate for our program; (3) directly related to analysis of Italian-speaking peoples’ cultural production. Students taking courses in other disciplines are encouraged to seek credit for those courses in the appropriate departments.Students who transfer 9 credits (3 three-credit courses) or more from study abroad or elsewhere outside the department must take their remaining courses towards the major in the department.
Students who do not study abroad may take up to two courses related to their major program of study outside the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, with departmental permission.
Approval for summer courses taught by Boston College faculty, including courses abroad, will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in consultation with the Italian Studies section.
Minor Requirements
18 Credits (6 three-credit courses), which must include:
6 credits (2 foundation courses): ITAL 2213 and ITAL 2214 (Italian Composition, Conversation and Reading I and II)
12 credits (4 advanced courses) in Italian Literature or Culture at the 5000 or 8000 level
Notes and Conditions
An Advanced Placement high school courses in Italian with an exam score of 4 or 5 will count toward the Italian Studies minor as 1 three-credit elective.
- Italian Studies minors must enroll in one advanced course (5000 level or above) during their senior year, regardless of whether they have completed the six-course requirement for the minor.
- 1-credit practicum courses do not count for the minor.
Maximum transfer credit toward a minor from study abroad: 9 credits (3 approved three-credit courses) for one year of study; 6 credits (2 approved three-credit courses) for one semester of study. No RLL credit will be granted for courses abroad conducted in English taken during a semester or academic year program.
Credit toward the Italian Studies minor will be granted for courses taken abroad
(1) conducted in Italian; (2) of a sophistication and level of expectations appropriate for our program; (3) directly related to analysis of Italian-speaking peoples’ cultural production. Students taking courses in other disciplines are encouraged to seek credit for those courses in the appropriate departments.All courses for the Italian Studies minor will normally be in Italian, though one relevant course taught in English may be counted toward the minor with permission from the Italian Studies Section.
Approval for summer courses taught by Boston College faculty, including courses abroad, will be granted on a case-by- case basis by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in consultation with the Italian Studies section.