Italian Studies
Minor Department of European Languages and Studies · UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Italian Program at the University of California, Irvine offers a minor in Italian Studies with courses both in Italian language from introductory to intermediate, and in English on a variety of topics including Dante, the Renaissance, the Fascist era, contemporary migration, Italian film and theater, and Italian food culture. Beyond the Department of European Languages and Studies, Italian Studies students also take courses in history, art history, and classics. This interdisciplinary approach affords students broad cultural literacy that supports a variety of career paths.
Students may also choose to major in European Studies with a specialization in Italian Studies.
The University of California offers students many opportunities to expand their knowledge by studying in Italy in the cities of Bologna, Florence, Rome, Milan, and other locations. Credits earned abroad may apply to majors or minors at UCI by petition or toward graduation. Learn more about UC Education Abroad by visiting the UCEAP website. For additional programs in Italy led by UC faculty see the Other UC Programs webpage.
Requirements
The minor in Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to go beyond second-year Italian and engage in various aspects of Italian culture by taking courses in Italian literature and other courses related to Italian history and culture in the Departments of Art History, Comparative Literature, English, Film and Media Studies, History, and Philosophy.
Eight courses (32 units) are required for the minor.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A. Complete the following: | ||
| ITALIAN 2C | Intermediate Italian | |
| B. Three course topics from the following, no more than two of which may be lower-division: | ||
| ITALIAN 50 | Topics in Italian Culture | |
| ITALIAN 150 | Topics in Italian Literature and Culture | |
| C. Four courses selected from the following, when topics are appropriate. No more than two courses may be taken from any one department, with the exception of Italian courses. | ||
| ART HIS 120 | Studies in Renaissance and Baroque Art | |
| ART HIS 121 | Studies in Southern Renaissance Art | |
| ART HIS 125 | Studies in Southern Baroque Art | |
| EURO ST 100A | Topics in European Literatures and Visual Cultures | |
| EURO ST 100B | Topics in European Identities: Race, Nation, Religion, Migration | |
| EURO ST 100C | Topics in European Thought, Culture, and Society | |
| FLM&MDA 160 | National/Regional Cinemas and Media | |
| ITALIAN 150 | Topics in Italian Literature and Culture | |
| ART HIS 107 | Studies in Roman Art | |
| CLASSIC 140 | Classics and History: The Ancient World | |
| CLASSIC 150 | Classical Mythology | |
| CLASSIC 170 | Topics in Classical Civilization | |
| HISTORY 112D | Topics in Early Modern Europe | |
| HISTORY 135A | The Scientific Revolution | |
Residence Requirement for the Minor: At least four upper-division courses must be completed successfully at UCI. By petition, two of the four may be taken at an Italian university through the UC Education Abroad Program, at a UCEAP study center in Italy, or through a UC Faculty-Led Program in Italy.
The Department strongly encourages its students to take advantage of the study-abroad programs in Italy to improve their language skills and gain invaluable cultural experience in a foreign university setting. The Department recommends the UC Education Abroad Program in Italy and UC Faculty-Led Programs in Italy.
Credit for courses taken through study-abroad programs is available. Students are advised to discuss their course of study with the Undergraduate Director before their departure and to arrange to bring home proof of their work.