U-ITAL-AB - Italian Studies (AB)

The Italian studies major offers two concentrations: Italian studies and Italian and European studies.

Students majoring in Italian develop language skills in their social and cultural contexts. The combination of linguistic and cultural competency is excellent preparation for a variety of professional careers in business, government, the humanities, and science. Double (second) majors are encouraged and supported. Numerous opportunities are available, including programs of study abroad, work study, interdisciplinary programs, and Fulbright. Students interested in majoring in Italian should consult the director of undergraduate studies.

Departmental Graduation with Distinction

Qualified students may apply for Graduation with Distinction. The application deadline is preregistration for the fall semester of the senior year. Students must find an appropriate faculty advisor to oversee the honors project. The thesis may be written in the language best suited to its likely audience, but students pursuing graduate study in a Romance studies field must write the thesis in the language of the area of study. Further information may be obtained from the director of undergraduate studies or the assistant to the director.

Study Abroad

Students are strongly urged to study abroad since this is the best way to achieve language proficiency and to acquire knowledge of a country’s culture. Courses taken abroad count toward the core and/or related courses as follows:

• Duke-Administered Semester Programs in English (Duke in Florence; Duke in Venice)

  • Major: A maximum of three courses per semester may be counted as related courses.

• Duke-Administered Summer Programs in the language (Duke in Bologna)

  • Major: Two courses may be counted toward the core-course requirement.

• Duke-Administered Summer Programs in English (Duke in Venice)

  • Major: One course may be counted toward the core-course requirement.

• Non-Duke-Administered Semester Programs in Italy (All courses taught entirely in Italian)

  • Major: A maximum of two courses per semester may count toward the core-course requirement and a maximum of one may count as a related course.

• Non-Duke-Administered Semester Programs in Italy where not all courses are taught in Italian

  • Major: A maximum of two courses per semester may count toward the core-course requirement.

• Non-Duke-Administered Summer Programs (Courses taught in Italian)

  • Major: One course may be counted toward the core-course requirement.

Website: romancestudies.duke.edu/undergraduate/majors/italian-studies