Italian outdoor class
Undergraduate

Italian Studies

Develop advanced proficiency in the Italian language as you explore the art, culture, and history of Italy.

Why Study Italian?

Italian is spoken by millions of people around the world, not just in Italy. Develop your proficiency with the language while studying Italian culture and history, which have helped shape the Western world. 

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, an Italian Language Minor, or a Special Major in 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.

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Language Placement Information

The Rome Campus

Program Contact

Richard Bonanno, Ph.D

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

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

Program Curriculum

  • Students must take a total of six one-semester courses (18 credits) in Italian beginning at ITA 101 or higher, and, ensuring proficiency at the advanced level or higher.

    Course Descriptions

    Italian Language Course Descriptions

  • Students must take a total of six one-semester courses (18 credits) beginning at ITA 201 or higher and including ITA 204 Introduction to Literature or equivalent. Students may include as many as two courses in other disciplines where the content deals substantively with Italian society, history, art, or culture, and those courses may be taken in English. Sample courses include CLT 225: Dante’s Comedy, ARH 225 Renaissance Art and Architecture, HIS 150 Civilization in Rome, and others.

    Course Descriptions

    Italian Studies Course Descriptions


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.


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

In recent years some students have chosen to complete a Special Major in Italian Studies, 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.

Double-counting in the Foundations Program

Students are able to satisfy several Foundations Programs requirements while completing their program of study in Italian. Students are encouraged to work closely with Italian faculty and the MCLC Chair in order to plan a course of study and identify courses that count in both areas.

Programs Related to Italian Studies

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Undergraduate