Minor in Italian
What does the Italian Program offer?
Italian Minor (15 credits): the minor in Italian consists of any 5 language courses above the elementary 100-level; usually 201-202 and three advanced courses, such as Italian Conversation, Italian Composition through Film, or Readings in Italian.
- Faculty willing to assist and advise you in all phases of your studies.
- Study abroad opportunities: study in Florence during the summer, or do a summer, semester or year in Italy at any other program in Italy at any other program offered through the Center for International Education
- Language Resource Center with state-of-the-art technology and free tutors available to assist you in language learning (Meier Hall 205).
- Italian Club activities on and off campus (Italian Film Series, cultural events, volunteer projects, trips, Italian conversation hour)
- A multicultural community in which to learn Italian, including Italian heritage speakers in Boston's North End and many communities on the North Shore.
- Graduate school advising for those interested in pursuing graduate degrees.
The Italian Minor
The Italian minor consists of any 15 credits (5 courses) above the elementary level in Italian language, literature or culture. Typically, this means two intermediate courses (ITL 201-202), plus three additional courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level. The Department offers a different upper-level course every semester. Elementary (100-level) courses do not count towards the Italian minor. Students may transfer up to 6 credits towards the Italian minor from study abroad or other universities.
Which course should I start with?
If you have studied Italian in high school or you speak Italian at home as a first or second language, you may not need to take elementary or even intermediate language courses. Consult the Department's placement guidelines or speak to a Italian professor to determine the level that is appropriate for you. Native speakers of Italian can not earn credit for elementary-level courses. Students who took the AP test in Italian or the CLEP test, and international students who graduated from a high school where the language of instruction was Italian can receive up to 6 credits that count towards a Italian minor. See the Department Chairperson for more information.
Why study Italian?
Do you want to order pasta in an Italian restaurant without mispronouncing the menu items? Understand an Italian soccer match? Speak with your Italian relatives in their native tongue? Watch a Fellini flick without subtitles? Read Dante in the original language? Whatever your motivation, whether you choose to take a few classes or to complete a minor in Italian, the Italian language program at Salem State will help you to develop proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Italian. However, the ability to communicate in Italian is not the only valuable aspect of Italian studies! The Italian program at Salem State also includes the study of Italian culture and literature, in which you will develop:
- sharp critical thinking ability
- oral and written analytical skills
- a comparative perspective on global affairs
- cross-cultural awareness and the ability to work with diverse groups of people
- a broad multidisciplinary knowledge base (including literature, history, art, politics, economics, and many more disciplines which intersect with Italian culture).
Summer Program in Florence, Italy
Earn 6 credits in Italian during a five-week immersion program (July-August) in Florence, the heart of Tuscany. Study Italian language & culture at the Università di Firenze's Centre for Foreigners. Live in a pensione and take advantange of excursions.