• The first is spoken and written Italian, sufficient to live and study successfully in Italy and/or to use Italian media and research tools for careers involving Italy and Italian culture. The second is the ability to read and interpret Italian literature of all periods and genres. The third is a knowledge of the social, political, economic, and cultural realities of today’s Italy.
  • All Italian Studies majors are encouraged to spend at least one semester of study at Boston University’s Centro Studi in Padua, where they live with an Italian family and may enroll directly at the University of Padua, taking courses alongside their Italian peers in any academic field. An “Interdisciplinary track” is also available for the major, in which students may elect 3 of their 13 major courses from a field related to Italian culture such as history of art & architecture, history, European studies, philosophy, international relations, or classical studies.
  • An undergraduate degree in Italian Studies enables students to pursue careers in a great variety of areas: diplomacy, professional translation, design, fashion, language instruction, the arts, arts management, bilingual journalism, international business, and law. The degree also qualifies students for graduate study in education, Italian literature, and history.