Italian Studies

Department of Literature
303 Humanities 1
(831) 459-4778

Program Description

Students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to Italian culture through the combined study of literature, history, politics, art history, music, and film may pursue a major or minor in Italian studies. The guidelines for the completion of the major may be obtained from Professor Deanna Shemek or Professor Margaret Brose. There are numerous opportunities for study in Italy through the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP), either for a year (Bologna, Milan, Padua) or for an intensive semester (Padua, Rome, Siena). The Italian studies program is administered by the Literature Department.

Major Requirements

Each student must complete the lower-division language sequence (Italian 1–6, or equivalent). In addition, students are required to take 10 courses (one course may be lower division), including a core unit of five courses to be taken at UCSC: three Italian literature courses, one course in Italian history, and one course in Italian art history. A course on Dante is required. A minimum of five courses must be taught principally in Italian or through Italian language texts read in the original. Five courses may be approved elective courses. One course may focus on Italy in a European or global context. One Italian literature course may be replaced by an Italian culture course. Up to five elective courses may be approved from UC EAP’s yearlong study abroad in Italy. All students must complete a senior seminar course focused on Italian literature, history, or art history.

Minor Requirements

Each student must complete the lower-division language sequence (Italian 1–6, or equivalent). Students must also complete five upper-division courses in Italian studies: three Italian literature courses, one course in Italian history, and one course in Italian art history. A course on Dante is required. One Italian literature course may be replaced by an Italian culture course. Three of the five upper-division courses must be completed at UCSC; three must be taught principally in Italian. A maximum of two courses may be transferred from EAP.