Undergraduate Programs

The Italian program seeks to prepare students to understand, appreciate and use professionally the language, literature, and culture of Italy, through the achievement of an accurate reading knowledge, adequate aural comprehension, and conversational proficiency. Upon completion of the basic courses, students are expected to have a thorough, practical command of the language they have studied, including an ability to understand more fully the culture or cultures of which that language is a reflection. Elective courses consist of both linguistic and literary studies of a more advanced and specialized nature. In all courses, correlation with other departments of the College is encouraged whenever students' use of their language training can be made effective in their field of specialization.

Students who have had less than one and one-half years of high school Italian normally begin with course 111; those entering with two years normally begin with course 112; those presenting three years usually begin with course 203; and those presenting four years normally begin with course 204. Native speakers should consult the Chair or a department representative for their correct placement.

Italian 111, 112, and 203 satisfy the current Queens College Foreign Language Requirement.

The Major

Majoring in Italian requires 36 credits above the Italian 203 level, including the successful completion of Italian 207, 208, 209, and 224. Students should choose courses for the remaining credits in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. Additional credits may be taken in courses related in content and purpose, and may include art history, music, Italian American Studies, political science, geography, economics, history, anthropology, and other such adjunct courses. 

Italian 41W satisfies the Reading Literatures and European Traditions PLAS requirements while the course 45W satisfies the Cultural Values and European Traditions requirements. All W courses are taught in English.

All prospective majors must consult a departmental advisor in order to file proper concentration forms. Students who plan to teach Italian in secondary schools should also take at least three courses in a second foreign language, and consult the department of Secondary Education for additional course requirements. Approval for student teaching normally requires a 3.0 average in elective courses and the grade of B in intermediate conversation, phonetics, and grammar.

The Minor

Eighteen credits above language 112 are required for the minor in Italian Students may start with any course above Italian 112. Prospective minors should consult with the undergraduate advisor in order to plan their programs All prospective minors must consult a department advisor to have their programs approved.