Italian Studies

Program Description

Students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to Italian culture through the combined study of language, literature, history, art history, and other subjects may pursue a minor in Italian studies. The guidelines for the completion of the minor may be obtained from an Italian Studies adviser in the Literature Department. There are several options for study in Italy through the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP), either for a year (Bologna, Milan, Padova), for an intensive semester (Bologna, Florence, Milan, Padova, Rome), or for the summer (Florence). Students may also divide their time between Italy and Spain for one semester or one quarter. The Italian studies program is administered by the Literature Department.

PLEASE NOTE: the Italian Studies major has been suspended, and is not accepting new students at this time. Students interested in adding Italian Studies coursework to their degrees may still pursue the Italian Studies minor. Contact litdept@ucsc.edu for more information. 

Minor Requirements

Each student must complete the lower-division language sequence (Italian 1–6, or equivalent). Students must also complete five upper-division courses in Italian studies: two Italian literature courses, Italian 106 (Italian Culture Through Film), one course in Italian history, and one course in Italian art history. A course featuring the work of Dante is recommended. Three of the five upper-division courses must be completed at UCSC; three must be taught substantially in Italian. A maximum of two courses may be transferred from EAP.

Honors

Honors in the Italian studies major are awarded to graduating seniors who have earned a 3.70 to 3.89 grade point average in their upper-division Italian studies courses. Highest honors in the Italian studies major are awarded to graduating seniors who have earned a 3.90 or higher grade point average in their upper-division Italian Studies courses. Honors are not awarded in the minor.