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Italian & Italian Studies



Italian & Italian Studies

Besides the major, Dickinson offers a minor in Italian and a recently updated major in Italian studies, which provides students with a strong command of Italian language and culture yet also allows students to take interdisciplinary courses concerning Italy and Italian taught by other departments in English. 

Students who want to study abroad can take advantage of Dickinson programs at the K. Robert Nilsson Center for European Studies and the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. Closer to campus, our faculty members—who strive to create an authentic environment—are leaders in their fields, have years of experience and know how to produce authentic results in the classroom through an innovative communicative approach.

The Italian program at Dickinson is one of the most active and vibrant on campus. Often in conjunction with the Italian Club, events—from pasta-making lessons and Italian game sessions to authentic Italian dinners and holiday parties—are organized throughout the year and often attract hordes of students. You can also opt to live in the Romance Language House, where students can interact in Italian and experience authentic Italian culture.

Contact Info

Chair

James McMenaminAssociate Professor of Italian

Department Coordinator

Lisa Orris

Phone

717-245-1819

Fax

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Location

105, Bosler Hall Mailing Address

Department Features




Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs

  • Cato Institute
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Advisory Board Company
  • National Committee on American Foreign Policy
  • Fulbright Program
  • National Consumer Law Center
  • City Year, Inc.
  • Tufts Universit

Graduate Schools

  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
  • University of Virginia
  • Middlebury College
  • Temple University Law
  • Brooklyn Law School
  • CUNY New York City College of Technology
  • University of Minnesota
  • Drexel University
  • George Mason University
  • University of Connecticut
  • Harvard University
  • University of Rochester School of Business
  • Boston College
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • Breakthrough Collaborative
  • Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Organization
  • National Museum of American History
  • National Museum of the American Indian
  • National Postal Museum
  • Port Jefferson Historical Society
  • U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center
  • U.S. Army War College - Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute

Student Perspective

"Studying abroad for a year in Bologna expanded my worldview in ways I did not think were possible. I improved my Italian language skills and had the opportunity to learn in new environments while taking classes at the University of Bologna and Johns Hopkins SAIS."

— Tony Trandafir ’24


Italian & Italian Studies News

The Power of Dedication

The Power of Dedication

"Hard work and dedication can overcome any obstacle." Meet Sofia-Teresa Di Bacco ’26, who plans a career in law.

Opening Opportunities: Nalleli Hassan

Opening Opportunities: Nalleli Hassan '07

Now an HR executive at Bank of America's New York HQ, the former IB&M and Italian studies major finds exciting ways to give back.

Student Snapshot: Tony Trandafir ’24

Student Snapshot: Tony Trandafir ’24

“Studying abroad expanded my worldview in ways I did not think were possible.” Meet Tony Trandafir ’24, a Posse Scholar and student leader who studied in Italy.

Scholarship Story: Chris Althouse

Scholarship Story: Chris Althouse '24

“Studying overseas was always a dream of mine. I am grateful to Dickinson and to all who support the Nilsson Scholarship for showing confidence in the Dickinson students who study in Bologna.”

Jacob DeCarli ’22

Jacob DeCarli ’22

"I want to give back so that future Dickinsonians have access to scholarships and the same opportunities I had," says Jacob DeCarli ’22, a recent grad and current Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.

Student Snapshot: Mary Ritter ’23

Student Snapshot: Mary Ritter ’23

Meet Mary Ritter ’23, who’s volunteered in Bologna, Italy, tackled internships in two states and researched imperial board games and toys in fascist Italy.