FAQ for International Studies Majors
Q: How many courses must I take beyond IT201?
A: 2 courses.
Q: Which courses should I take?
A:IS students pursuing Italian are advised to take ITAL 231 (an intensive writing course with advanced grammar) and ITAL 232 (a course focused on speaking and oral production). Alternatively, students can opt to take ITAL 231 and one of the four possible 320-topics courses: 321, 322, 323 or 324 (with mandatory discussion section in Italian).
Q: Are there advanced courses offered exclusively in Italian?
A: Of course! Students who would like to take courses taught only in Italian can also take one of the upper-level 300 courses (331, 332 or 341).
Q: Would it be possible to complete a minor in Italian?
A: Yes, completing the Italian minor would be very feasible because you would have already fulfilled 2 of the 5 required course requirements. Here is the complete list of required courses:
1) 231
2) 232
3) 320-Topics course: 321, 322, 323 or 324
4) 331 or 332
5) 341
Q: Would it also be possible to major in Italian Studies?
A: Yes. The Italian Studies major requires 10 courses (some of which are in English). The new major requirements for Italian Studies (passed at the February 2012 Faculty Meeting) offer more flexibility, choice and variety for students which could make it more possible to double-major. Actually, some of the courses you have already taken outside Italian may count toward the Italian Studies major. Be sure to consult with an Italian professor. If you are interested in majoring in Italian Studies, feel free to contact the Italian Program Coordinator.
Q: Can I take my Italian classes in Bologna, if I decide to study there during my junior year?
A: Absolutely! In Bologna you can take 231, 232 and a 320-topics course (321, 322, 323 or 324).
Q: I'm not sure if my Italian is good enough to take courses at the University of Bologna. Are there courses offered in English?
A: Yes, you could take classes in INBM and Economics (in English) at the University of Bologna. In the past, students have taken Organizational Behavior, Financial Accounting, Econometrics, Financial Mathematics, International Economics, and Macroeconomics. Besides looking great on your résumé, taking a class at the Italian university will provide you with a cultural and intellectual experience that is priceless. Courses taken the at University of Bologna are not counted toward your GPA. We encourage all students to go to the University of Bologna for the educational and cultural experience.
Q: I just came back from studying in Bologna. How can I practice my Italian and remain in contact with Italy?
A: Contact one of your previous Italian professors for some guidance. Besides taking more Italian courses, you can also explore the many online web resources that our website offers, visit the Italian Table where you can practice your Italian or you can also participate in the many extracurricular activities the Italian Program organizes throughout the year. Seating is sometimes limited and they are always packed! Be sure to add our Italian Studies@Dickinson Facebook page to your profile for updates about these events!