ItalianProgram Description
The Italian Studies Minor offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in the Italian language while gaining a broad understanding of Italy’s historical, political, and cultural influence. Beginning with foundational language courses, students progress to advanced proficiency, enabling them to engage with Italian texts, media, and discourse.
Beyond language acquisition, the program integrates interdisciplinary coursework from history, political science, film, anthropology, and more to explore Italy’s role in shaping global culture. Students examine key historical events, political movements, artistic achievements, and societal transformations that define Italy’s past and present. Through this comprehensive approach, the minor prepares students for careers in international relations, global business, academia, and the arts, while deepening their appreciation of Italy’s enduring impact on the world.
Academic and Career Opportunities
Outside the classroom, students can socialize and network by joining the Italian Club at the U and the Italian Club of Salt Lake. During the summer, students can join their Italian professors on a transformative, four-week summer learning abroad program in Italy. This intensive summer program uniquely blends academic coursework with immersive cultural exploration, allowing students to earn 6-8 academic credits while discovering the rich historical, artistic, and social landscapes of multiple Italian cities. There are also several affiliate Learning Abroad programs for students to study and intern in various cities throughout Italy such as Florence, Milan, Rome, and more. By the program's conclusion, students are able to develop a comprehensive understanding of Italian cultural nuances and social dynamics and expand their global perspective and intercultural communication capabilities.
Upon graduation, the minor in Italian can be paired with skills from your major degree program, allowing you to enter a number of fields. Communication or political science majors, for example, can use their foreign language skills to become translators, interpreters, advocates, and diplomats in local and international arenas. Business students will be equipped to pursue business ventures abroad, while education majors might consider second language teaching careers.
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