Italian Studies: Italian Literature, BA

The Italian Studies section of the Romance Languages Department offers programs in language, literature, film, linguistics, cultural studies and civilization for students with or without a background in Italian. At the core of this program is the study of the Italian language, understood both in the narrow sense of verbal communication, but also in the larger sense of textual messages: literary, cinematic, historical, art-historical, and mass-cultural.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements
Required Courses
ITAL 1000Advanced Italian I1
ITAL 1200Advanced Italian II1
or ITAL 1890 Masterpieces-Italian Literature
Electives
Select 10 course units of Electives 210
Research Requirement
Must be taken in the Department at Penn
Total Course Units32
1

You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

2

At least 6 courses in Italian literature or civilization in the Department of Romance Languages; at least 3 of these must be completed at the 3000-level at Penn. Up to 4 courses may be chosen from Italian Studies offerings outside Romance Languages. No more than 6 elective courses may be taken abroad.

No more than 2 courses taught in English may count for the major in Italian Literature. For at least 1 English-taught course, students should arrange an Italian component with the professor (e.g., extra class sessions, research, written assignments, or term paper in Italian).

Honors

Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in the Major and a GPA of 3.3 overall.

ITAL 4000Honors Thesis 11.0
1

Must be completed in the Department at Penn.

 


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.