Italian

Italian is not just spoken in Italy.  You can find speakers of Italian in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, Slovenia, Somalia, and Switzerland, and other countries around the world.  In the U.S. alone, over one million people speak Italian (see also “Language Map with Enrollment Data,” www.mla.org). 

 

When you minor in Italian, you will acquire linguistic fluency and a critical understanding of Italian and Italian-American cultures. Studying Italian broadens your education in the arts and humanities. Italian is the language of art, music, history, literature, cinema, amazing culinary traditions, fashion, and more. It is the language of Dante, Puccini, Leopardi, Fellini and even Ferrari and Ferragamo. Italy is also a leader in many technological fields, such as robotics, and is considered to be at the forefront of innovation and engineering.

 

By minoring in Italian, you will also create opportunities for a career in the public and private sectors. Students who minor in Italian often obtain post-graduate internships and fellowships either in the United States or in Italy (i.e., Fulbright, SITE, NIAF) that relate to their majors, such as Global Affairs, Art History, English, and Religious Studies.

Italian

Take a look at what some of our Italian Studies alumni have done after graduation here.

Students with some prior knowledge of the Italian language who wish to continue the study of the language should consult with Professor Kristina Olson (kolson4@gmu.edu), Coordinator of the Italian Program, before registering.

Minors have the opportunity to:

 

  • Prepare for future careers through domestic and international internships (SITE, NIAF) and fellowships
  • Conduct independent research (OSCAR)
  • Earn credits through approved Mason Abroad programs in Italy (i.e., Florence Semester Experience)
  • Qualify for internal and external scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study

Resources for Modern and Classical Languages Students