Italian Studies
Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary program in the language, literature, history, theatre, music, and art of Italy. Italian Studies coordinates the resources of the Departments of History, Linguistics, Literature, Music, Political Science, Theatre and Dance, and Visual Arts, and offers students the opportunity to design a major, leading to a B.A., around the course offerings of these seven departments. Students in Italian Studies are encouraged to make an appointment with the Study Abroad Office in order to take advantage of opportunities to study in Italy through the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) and the Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). Study Abroad credits may be petitioned for credit and transferred back to UC San Diego.
People
Program Directors
Frank Biess, Co-Director
Professor, History
Ulrike Strasser, Co-Director
Professor, History
Academic Advising
UC San Diego undergraduate students: please use the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) for all advising questions.
Email for advising appointments: caesar@ucsd.edu
Faculty
Amanda Batarseh
Literature
Cristina Della Coletta
Literature
Adriana de Marchi Gherini
Literature
Amelia Glaser
Literature
Pamela Radcliff
History
William Tronzo
Visual Arts
Major
Italian Studies Major
A major in Italian Studies consists of a choice of twelve upper-division courses (forty-eight units) in literature, history, music, political science, theatre, and visual arts approved for the program and listed below. At least three areas must be represented in the student’s program of study.
Please note: Course offerings for Italian Studies are limited and therefore transfer students and students who do not study abroad may have difficultly completing the major. For all students, a significant number of petitions may be needed. A minor is recommended.
Language Proficiency: For all upper-division work in Italian Literature (LTIT), students must complete LTIT 2A, LTIT 2B, and LTIT 50, or demonstrate the equivalent with transfer credit or by proficiency exam.
The particular courses making up each student’s major will be selected in consultation with the Program Advisor. Courses in other areas of Italian Studies taken abroad or on our campus may also apply by petition. Eligible P/NP courses are approved by petition.
Resources:
Minor
Italian Studies Minor
A minor in Italian Studies consists of completing 7 courses (28 units) that focus on Italy with a European context from two different departments. At least 5 of the courses must be upper division.
Resources:
Resources
UC San Diego Undergraduate Student Resources
Course Offerings
Course Offerings
Refer to the official UC San Diego General Catalog for a complete list of approved courses that will count toward a major or minor in German Studies.
Course offerings are constantly changing. Please refer to the Schedule of Classes for the most up-to-date listing.
(*) Indicates course may be petitioned for credit. Instructions on How to Petition Courses.
Fall 2024
- LTIT 2A. Intermediate Italian
- *MUS 113. Topics in Classic, Romantic, and Modern Music
- POLI 110A. Citizens and Saints: Political Thought from Plato to Augustine
- VIS 122B. Baroque: Painters, Sculptors, Architects
Winter 2025
- *HIEU 147. Europe and the World I, 1808–1918
- *LTEU 105. Medievel Studies: Dante's Inferno
- LTIT 2B. Intermediate Italian II
- *VIS 114B. The Fragment: Uses and Theories
Spring 2025
- *HIEU 148. Europe and the World II, 1918–Present
- *LTEU 105. Medievel Studies: Dante's Purgatory and Paradise
- LTIT 50. Advanced Italian
- *VIS 121AN. Art and Experience in the Middle Ages
- VIS 128A. Topics in Premodern Art History: “Clash of Gods”: Late Antique Art and Architecture
Events
Past Events
2021-2022
November 12, 2021
Black Lives Matter in Italy and the Legacy of Colonialism: A Talk with Filmmaker-Activist Fred Kudjo Kuwornu (YouTube Link)
2018-2019
May 9, 2019
Literature and Molecules: Remembering Primo Levi on the 100th Anniversary of His Birth with Professor Andrew Viterbi, Professor Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini, Professor Brian Keating, Dr. Luca Legnani, and Dean Cristina Della Coletta.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for responses to commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, please contact the Italian Studies program through the Virtual Advising Center (VAC).
How many lower-division courses do I need to take?
Lower-division courses or their equivalents are prerequisites, but they do not count towards the Italian Studies major.
The Italian Studies major requires 12 upper-division courses.
The Italian Studies minor requires at least 5 upper-division courses.
I found a UC San Diego course I want to use for my major/minor in Italian Studies. Can I take it?
You will need to petition the course to see if it will apply toward your Italian Studies major or minor.