The Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies is a rigorous interdisciplinary degree that combines the study of Italian literature, culture, society, and politics while developing students’ fluency in the Italian language. The context of an American liberal arts university exposes students to many fields of study and ways of approaching intellectual problems related to Italy, while John Cabot University’s Roman setting enables students to engage daily with the multifaceted realities of contemporary Italian life.
The core curriculum combines a progression of language courses which develop a high level of proficiency in all language skills areas (C1 of the Common European Framework) with courses that provide students with a strong foundation in Italian literary and cultural studies and in the country’s evolving social, political and business environments. Students are then guided to further carve out their preferred areas of specialization through appropriate choices of major electives. Italian Studies majors have the exceptional opportunity to enhance their study with on-site learning and field research, and they are strongly encouraged to do internships in companies, organizations, and institutions which best fit their career plans. The major culminates in the final year when each student selects a topic and works individually with a specialized faculty member to research and write a senior thesis.
The major is thus designed to develop strong critical, communicative and intercultural skills that are essential preparation for today’s job market. It unites practical training in translation and exposure to the Italian business world with courses in literary, cultural and social theory and methodologies, all in small classes that permit active learning and intensive work with our expert faculty. Our graduates have gone on to work in Italian businesses, media, and other culture industries and in Rome’s UN agencies, while others have been accepted to prestigious graduate programs in Italy, the US and internationally.
