BA in Italian in Davis United States | University of California Davis

Students pursuing an Italian major develop proficiency in four key areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing Italian. The curriculum explores Italy's vibrant intellectual traditions, literary works, and cultural evolution from medieval times to modernity. Course offerings span literature, cinema, translation studies, and cultural studies. Those with prior French or Spanish experience often find Italian accessible. The program begins with a five-course language foundation before advancing to upper-level literature classes conducted entirely in Italian. As students progress, they can examine diverse facets of Italian culture through art history, music, historical studies, and classical traditions. Many opt to combine Italian with social science disciplines like international relations, political science, or economics through double majors.

Tailored to student aspirations, the Italian program features intimate class sizes and personalized faculty guidance. While emphasizing Italian language use, the curriculum maintains interdisciplinary flexibility. From introductory levels, students work with advisors to craft customized study plans incorporating cultural studies, film, art history, food science, and other relevant disciplines available on campus or through Italian institutions. The department actively engages with UC's global initiatives, including the Education Abroad Program, Florence Quarter Abroad, International Internships, and Rome Summer Abroad, providing immersive Italian study experiences.