»Italian Studies

Our program offers a full range of instruction from elementary language classes to upper level courses in Italian culture and society. Students acquire proficiency and fluency in the classroom through immersion in Italian paced to build linguistic competence and foster an understanding of the artistic traditions and cultural history of Italy. Upper-level courses further develop the students’ critical use of the language as well as their knowledge of Italy. While introducing students to interdisciplinary research in cultural studies, the curriculum also aims to nurture connections with the student’s professional goals and personal interests; therefore, students also choose to complete coursework by drawing from the rich disciplinary range of academic opportunities relating to Italian culture available at Chapman University.

You can integrate a focus on Italian alongside your other major/s and minors with an Italian Studies Multidisciplinary themed inquiry(12 credits) or with a minor (21 credits), or you can choose to make it a central component of your studies by enrolling in the B.A. in Global Communication and World Languages/Italian (48 credits) or by creating a self-designed B.A. in Italian Studies (27+ credits).

Inter/Multidisciplinary Cluster in Italian Studies. The cluster is open to all majors and allows students to bring an introductory exploration of the language and culture of Italy into their education. It consists of four courses (12 credits), of which ITAL 201 can be one, drawing from a broad list of offerings across various field. For more information, please visit the general education pages and review related section in the Italian Studies Advising Guide.

Minor in Italian Studies. The minor is open to all majors and allows students to reach advanced proficiency in Italian, gain an understanding of key facets of Italian modern and contemporary culture, and deepen specific disciplinary areas of interest. It consists of seven courses (21 credits), of which ITAL 201 can be one, fulfills Chapman University’s Language Requirement, and allows for some sharing with other General Education requirements and the student’s major.

You can declare a minor at any point. Here is how:

• Complete a Change of Major/Minor Form (scroll down and choose the correct PDF form for your catalog year).
• If this is your first minor, you can email it directly to the Registrar's Office (aps@chapman.edu). If this is your second minor, please send the form to mattavelli@chapman.edu for the program director's approval.

The Self-Designed B.A. in Italian Studies. Best suited for self-directed students aiming at a high level of language proficiency and advanced cultural studies research, this degree plan capitalizes on the interdisciplinary nature of Italian Studies by offering students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor in designing a personalized study plan. By drawing from the wide array of courses offered at Chapman University in art, history, culture, media, and more, the self-designed major allows for the opening up new of directions across existing disciplines and career paths and the discovery and application of the student’s distinct critical and creative perspective and goals. For more information Access the Form for a Self-Designed Major.

The B.A. in Global Communication and World Languages (Italian). This degree is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to combine their interests in Italian with the study of evidence–based communication approaches to create shared meaning and understanding of messages. Students become productive global citizens as they learn how to engage in rigorous application of communication theory and research while increasing linguistic and practical skills and broadening their awareness of culture to prepare for the global workplace. Graduates are in high demand as they combine core communication skills with high-level proficiency in a world language. They will be able to pursue careers in diplomacy, government, health care professions, journalism, NGOs, philanthropic organizations with international reach and more. The nine-credit hour Capstone sequence, which includes a service learning course/internship, intensive research in their chosen language, and a senior seminar in the global workplace, will provide students with hands on experience, which future employers will value. The major consists of 45 credits taken through the School of Communication and Italian Studies. For more information, click here.

Experience Italy firsthand through our travel courses during the summer and interterm:

• learn the necessary socio-cultural skills to communicate effectively with Italians,
• understand the peninsula’s complex realities and regional differences,
• explore Italy’s major urban centers and historical treasures,
• forge relationships with Italian peers and expand your network internationally,
• complete individualized and career-relevant projects abroad.

Students working toward an Italian Studies minor or major receive automatic scholarships ($1,000+) when accepted to any of the program’s travel courses to Italy.

• Summer intensive 3-week course in Taormina, Lecce or Sorrento, including host family accommodations, 3-credit language course at your level, and regional field trips. (Listen to student testimonial.)
• Interterm intensive course in Florence or Rome, including cultural workshops, urban field trips, and individualized research project. (Listen to student testimonial.)

In addition, Chapman University offers full-semester of study abroad through our partners in Italy, such as: Umbra Institute in Perugia, Temple University in Rome, and the University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan (learn more about studying abroad).

Chapman University's italophile character offers numerous possibilities to experience Italy while oncampus through numerous artistic and cultural events organized by our program, social gathering and networking opportunities with the local Italian community, moments of playful learning organized by the student-led Italian Club, Italian operas performed at the Musco Center for the Arts, and more! Below is a list of grants applications and other opportunities available to Chapman Italian Studies students.

• Italian Studies Program Assistantship
• Become a Tutor of Italian at Chapman
• Teach English in Italy
• National Italian American Foundation “The Voyage of Discovery”
• National Italian American Foundation Scholarships
• Patrons of Italian Culture Scholarships
• Internships With Fondazione Italia
• VoluntarItaly