Italian Studies

The culture, history and language of Italy are centuries old. Italians have made major contributions to film, architecture, fine arts, music, food, fashion, sciences and technology. The large Italian diaspora has caused Italian - often considered one of the most romantic and melodic of languages - to become one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. 

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers Italian language courses at the introductory and intermediate level.  Students gain knowledge and competence in oral and written Italian while also learning to appreciate the richness and diversity of Italian culture.  If you plan to explore the mediaeval villages of Tuscany, visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, read Dante’s Inferno in the original or even learn to make pizza as the Neapolitans make it, learning Italian is an excellent first step!

No previous knowledge of Italian is required to enroll in ITAL-1001(6).