Major in Italian

Requirements

The major consists of eleven term courses beyond the prerequisite. Eight term courses in the Italian department numbered 140 or above (including graduate courses) are required, at least five of which must be conducted in Italian. The courses in the department must include ITAL 140 or equivalent through placement testeither ITAL 150 or 151, a survey course on Italian literature (ITAL 162 or 172), and a course on Dante’s Divine Comedy (ITAL 310 or equivalent).  The aim of these foundational courses is to provide students with both a broad acquaintance with the major works of Italian Studies and a more detailed knowledge of specific periods in Italian literature and media. No more than three Italian department courses taught in English may count toward the major. Students intending to major in Italian Studies should consult the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).

In completing their programs, students are required to elect two courses in other languages and literatures, history of art, history, linguistic, philosophy, and media that are related to their field of study and approved by the DUS. Any graduate course in another national literature or in linguistics may be substituted for one of these two courses.

Italian Major Roadmap

Senior Essay

During their senior year, all students majoring in Italian are required to meet with the DUS at least twice per month. In the Fall or Spring of the senior year, all majors must present a departmental essay written in Italian and completed under the direction of a faculty adviser in ITAL 491. The essay should demonstrate careful reading and research on a topic approved by the adviser in consultation with the DUS. A recommended length for the essay is thirty pages, plus bibliography. The student and the advisor will select and invite a second faculty reader who will receive the final version of the thesis by the established deadline. While prospectus and draft deadlines are determined by the adviser, the student must submit the final version no later than 10 days before the last day of classes, in the Fall or Spring. The senior requirement culminates in a meeting with department faculty to discuss the thesis and the student’s overall experience of study in the major.

Advising

Students intending to major in Italian should consult the director of undergraduate studies (simona.lorenzini@yale.edu).