Student experiencing the Colosseum in Rome
Undergraduate

Italian Studies

The Italian Studies Minor offers students the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in the Italian language and to broaden their knowledge of the art, culture, history, literature and politics of Italy. Those wishing to explore the discipline more in depth may also pursue a self-declared Italian Studies Major.

Il Futuro Inizia ad Assumption University

Italian, the official language of the Republic of Italy, is spoken not only by the country’s more than 60 million residents but also by millions of people across the globe. As the fourth most populated country in the European Union and the 23rd most populated country in the world, Italy is a major player in global affairs and a leading tourist destination. Il bel paese boasts a strong economy and an unparalleled artistic and literary patrimony that makes Italian Studies an extremely worthwhile academic discipline for those wishing to expand their cultural horizons and enhance their intellectual capacity.

Opportunities abound for students of Italian at Assumption University, from study abroad at Assumption’s Rome campus to an internship in northern Italy upon graduation. By completing an Italian Studies Minor, a self-declared Italian Studies major, or an interdisciplinary major involving Italian, linguistically and culturally competent graduates of Italian distinguish themselves as open-minded, distinctive, and liberally educated job candidates with an edge in the general marketplace and in all areas of the humanities, international business and foreign affairs.

Language Placement Information

The Rome Campus

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Program Contact

Richard Bonanno, Ph.D

Professor of Italian
508-767-7120 Founders Hall - Room 222

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
Students from 29 states and 21 countries
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • Develop a greater knowledge of the Italian language and an understanding of the Italian way of life as seen in the social structure, political institutions, economy, arts, and culture of Italy.

    A student may complete a minor in Italian Studies with six courses (18 credits)

    Required Courses

    An Italian language course at the level of Italian 201 or higher. Up to two additional language courses may be included.

    An Italian literature course in the original (i.e., ITA 204 Introduction to Literature: Italian Language or equivalent course).

    Electives

    The remaining courses may be taken in other disciplines where the content deals substantively with Italian culture. These courses include but are not limited to:

    ART 223 Renaissance Art
    ART 323 Italian Renaissance Painting
    ART 324 Michelangelo: Painting and Sculpture
    CLT 225 Dante’s Comedy
    CLT 266 Italian Cinema
    HIS 202 Ancient Rome
    POL 338 Nationalism and Fascism
    POL 359 Medieval Political Philosophy

    A fifth-semester Italian language course.

    Depending on the interests of the individual student and the applicability of the course focus in a given term, other courses may be included (ART 224, HIS 204, HIS 205, HIS 206, HIS 212) with departmental approval.

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Richard Bonanno, Ph.D
Professor of Italian

Becoming Comfortable in the Uncomfortableaaa

Kayley Millard

Graduate Student

Passionate about diverse cultures and...

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Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Career Paths

Boston Public Schools

EMC Corporation

Grafton Public Schools

MassMutual Financial Group

Mellon Financial

Philip Morris USA

Westerly Public Schools

Worcester Public Schools

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.


More than just a Minor: Pursue the Major in Italian Studies

Numerous students have completed the Major in Italian Studies in recent years, and you can, too. Such a course of study is especially feasible for those wishing to spend a semester or more in Italy, be it on the Rome Campus or elsewhere. We are here to help you self-declare the major, broaden your horizons and realize your dreams.

Cross Disciplines: Opportunity Awaits You

Studying Italian is much more than mastering a language. Italy is a tremendously rich country of interest across a number of disciplines. Whether your primary interest lies in the field of Art, Business, Economics, Environmental Science, History, Politics, Philosophy, Theology or another field of inquiry, Italian Studies touches upon all fields through its history.

The Rome Campus and Study Abroad

A semester on the Rome Campus offers extraordinary opportunities for students of Italian. An intensive Italian option puts you on the fast track toward achieving linguistic proficiency, while homestays are available to those wishing to immerse themselves more fully in the life of the city. You may also study elsewhere in Italy should you care to explore another city or enroll in a program more in tune with your academic needs. We are here to help. Explore the Rome Campus

Programs Related to Italian Studies

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German

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Spanish

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