Italian Studies

The Italian studies major consists of nine courses above the level of basic language. The department has devised two tracks to provide guidelines for completing the major. Both require nine courses above ITAL112. Students may complete either track. Recommendations are included below.

Track A consists of five courses conducted in Italian to be taken in the Italian section of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures. Two of these five courses may be fulfilled by courses taken at the Vassar Wellesley Wesleyan Program in Bologna (ECCO). Additionally, students in Track A must take four related courses. These four courses may be taken in either English or Italian. Related courses could include, for example, FIST courses on Italian topics, courses in various disciplines throughout the University, or courses taken on Wesleyan’s study-abroad program in Bologna. Of the courses taken in Italian, students are encouraged to cover the following chronological areas: medieval, Renaissance, 19th and 20th centuries.

Track A may be appropriate for students with an interest in literary and cultural studies and/or art history.

SAMPLE OF A GRADUATING SENIOR IN ITALIAN STUDIES, TRACK A (assumes student spent one semester [spring, junior year] on the ECCO program these courses are designated as VWWB):

Track B consists of three courses in Italian to be taken in the Italian section of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures plus an additional six related courses. One of these courses may be fulfilled by a course taken at the Vassar Wellesley Wesleyan Program in Bologna (ECCO). Of the remaining six related courses, for Track B a maximum of three may be taken in English. Courses taken in English may include FIST courses on Italian topics and courses in various disciplines throughout the University. As in Track A, related courses may include FIST courses on Italian topics, courses in various disciplines throughout the University, or courses taken on Wesleyan’s study abroad program in Bologna. Of the courses taken in Italian, students are encouraged to cover the following chronological areas: medieval, Renaissance, 19th and 20th centuries.

Track B may be appropriate for students with an interest (or another major in) social sciences or natural sciences and mathematics.

SAMPLE OF A GRADUATING SENIOR IN ITALIAN STUDIES, TRACK B (assumes student spent one semester [spring, junior year] on the ECCO program):

Study Overseas

Wesleyan Program in Bologna

With Vassar and Wellesley colleges, Wesleyan sponsors the ECCO in Bologna program for all students regardless of their choice of major. Students are required to take a year of Italian language (through ITAL102 or its equivalent), but two years (through ITAL112) is highly recommended. The Fall semester begins in August with an orientation program in Lecce. (For students with fewer than three semesters of Italian, the Lecce program is mandatory.) The Lecce program is optional for students who have completed ITAL112 or a more advanced course, but the Italian program encourages participation. In September, the Program moves to Bologna, where it is housed for the remainder of the academic year. All students will take courses offered by the Program, and qualified students will have the opportunity to take courses at the Università di Bologna. Since course offerings at the Università vary from year to year, students work closely with the resident director to devise a program of study. 

There are other approved programs in Italy, but the Department strongly endorses and supports the ECCO program. Students interested in learning about these other programs should consult the list compiled by the Office of International Studies.

Concerning Courses Taken by Majors Overseas

1. Whether they are abroad for one or two semesters, Track A majors may count only two courses toward completion of the five-course requirement illustrated by Column I. Similarly, Track B majors may count only two courses toward the completion of courses taken in Italian (either Column I or II).

2. In rare cases, one additional course, for a maximum of three, will be accepted on a petition-only basis. The program reserves the right to privilege the ECCO program; if the petitioner has studied at a center other than the Wesleyan program in Bologna, it is very possible that the petition will not be granted.

3. There is no upper limit imposed on related course work, either at Wesleyan or abroad for either track of the major.

4. Please note: Courses taken overseas, and particularly courses taken at an Italian university (at the University of Bologna or elsewhere) must plainly and explicitly concern subject matter pertinent to Italian culture and society in order to be applicable toward the Italian Studies Major. Courses treating, for example, the art and architecture of ancient Syria, or Economics of sub-Saharan Africa, will not be viable for the Major, even though they were taken at an Italian university and through the medium of Italian. On the other hand, a course in earth and environmental sciences concerning the maritime science of the Venice Lagoon would make an excellent related course for the Italian Studies Major. When in doubt, students should check with the Major advisor before enrolling.

5. It is expected that following study overseas, majors will take one course in the medium of Italian each semester after their return.