About the Program

Italian Studies at UC Santa Cruz allows students to focus on language, history, literature, art, cinema, politics, and other dimensions of  Italian culture. The foundation of the program is the Italian language; the learning objective is advanced proficiency, which may be achieved in two full years of study followed by upper-division courses in literature that are taught "immersion style," with readings, discussion, and writing in Italian. A high percentage of Italian Studies students participate in the University of California's Education Abroad Programs (http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/italy/Pages/default.aspx), living and learning in Italy for periods ranging from a quarter to a year. The Italian Studies program allows up to five EAP courses to satisfy requirements for the Italian Studies degree.

Students in Italian Studies at UCSC experience small classes conducted in Italian, where they work collaboratively with faculty and fellow students and develop a close-knit learning community. They also take classes in English, in which ideas are expressed and examined critically in a setting that includes students from a variety of disciplines.

Many students who minor in Italian Studies at UC Santa Cruz also pursue a major or an additional minor that broadens their understanding of related fields. Graduates in Italian Studies have gone on to pursue Master's and PhD degrees in Italian Studies, as well as careers in teaching, fashion, tourism, agriculture, culinary arts, and more. They also enter advanced programs and careers in linguistics, the arts, medicine, computer engineering, economics, law, and other fields. The Italian Studies faculty is dedicated to helping students imagine and achieve their own paths from college to career.