Italian Studies Minor

Contacts: Leslie Zarker Morgan, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures (Italian and French); Steven C. Hughes, Professor of History
Office: Maryland Hall, Room 461; Humanities Center, Room 301
Telephone: 410‑617‑2926; 410‑617‑2229
Website: www.loyola.edu/academics/modern-languages/curriculum/minors/italian-minor

The interdisciplinary Minor in Italian Studies improves student understanding of the complexities in contemporary Italy, while also engaging students in an unusually rich intellectual experience. It offers students a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the confluence of cultural and religious forces in the Italian peninsula. It not only speaks to the Jesuit mission to impart knowledge in the classroom, but also allows students who desire to pursue a better understanding of their faith to do so by living in the center of the Catholic tradition in Rome. While inspiring students to understand traditional Italian culture, this program also requires them to understand the cultural and political traditions that consistently extend beyond the peninsula, and even the Mediterranean, to effect cultural and economic exchanges between the Italian peninsula and the rest of the globe.

This program serves undergraduates majoring in a broad range of fields: liberal arts, science, social science and business. The program follows a curriculum that utilizes current theory and practice, exposes students to cultural diversity, and strongly supports study abroad in the Italian environment to hone those skills. The minor contributes to the specific Loyola learning aims of intellectual excellence, critical understanding, eloquentia perfecta, diversity, aesthetics, and faith and mission.

Requirements for the Minor (18 credits)

The minor consists of 18 credits, as follows:

Three courses in Italian above the 100-level, one of which must be taken at the 300-level (9 credits)
Two electives in other fields related to Italian Studies (6 credits; listed below)
Capstone course, Italy and Italians in Today's World (ML 380 ; 3 credits)

Courses must be distributed minimally across three disciplines (e.g., EN, HS, IT, ML). Two courses may be cross-counted between the Italian studies minor and another major or minor, as long as the department chair in the other major or minor is in agreement.

Service-learning or Study Abroad/International Experience

A service-learning or study abroad/international experience is strongly recommended. The international experience must be in Italy, and up to three study abroad courses can count toward the Italian studies minor. Upon their return from study abroad, all students with a Minor in Italian Studies must take at least one 300-level course in Italian. The service-learning option is integral to an approved Italian studies course and entails working with a group of Italophones in the greater Baltimore area.

Notes:

The program advisor will work with each student to develop a coherent program of study, guide the student, and meet informally at least once a semester to assist the student in course selection and planning.

Electives

Approval Required:

The electives listed below may be counted toward the minor if, in a given semester, the course meets one of the following requirements:

At least one-half of the course material involves Italian or Italian tradition as measured through written work and topics covered through lecture, reading, and testing.
The student completes a final project involving Italy (its culture, literature, and/or history/social situation).
It is taught in Italian about Italian materials.

Notes:

Students are encouraged to perfect their knowledge of the Italian language. Upper-level courses are also offered at the Johns Hopkins University and Towson University. Students may take electives through the Baltimore Student Exchange Program at other area colleges and universities; however, these courses must be preapproved by the minor advisor or program director. Students may arrange for a language proficiency test through the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) for a fee.