Why study Italian?
Italian speakers from around the world have contributed in significant ways to the arts, political theory, science, literature, and much more. The UCD Italian Program offers you the opportunity to become fluent in language an explore new cultural perspectives. As an Italian major or minor you will also acquire important skills that are vital in any professional setting: critical analysis, interpersonal skills, effective writing, creative expression, and cultural sensitivity.
Can I double (or even triple) major?
Certamente! Most Italian majors have one additional major, and sometimes even two. The Italian curriculum requires the completion of only 9 upper-division courses (36 units) for the Major or 5 upper-division courses (20 units) for the Minor, making it a perfect accompaniment to most other majors in the humanities, social sciences, and even in science and engineering.
Can I do an honors thesis?
Yes! The guidelines are as follows: Candidates for high or highest honors in Italian must write a senior thesis under the direction of a faculty member. For this purpose, honors candidates must enroll in Italian 194H (3 units) and Italian 195H (3 units). Normally, a student will undertake the honors project during the first two quarters of the senior year; other arrangements must be authorized by the department chair. Only students who, at the end of the junior year (135 units), have attained a cumulative grade-point average of 3.500 in courses required for the major will be eligible for the honors program. For students completing an honors thesis in Italian, only 4 of the 8 required units may be used to satisfy the general elective requirement for the major. Students should be advised that the cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 is a minimum to undertake the writing of an honors thesis and does not guarantee honors. The grade-point average required for honors is determined by the College of Letters and Science every year.
The Italian faculty
The faculty members in the Italian Program are engaged scholars, experienced teachers, and devoted mentors in their fields of research. Italian students in both our upper and lower division courses enjoy all the advantages of a small classroom setting and get to know their professors well, while also becoming a part of a dynamic and diverse student community.
Study Abroad in Italy
Students (both majors and non-majors) interested in immersing themselves in today’s Italy are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Engaging with global learning opportunities is an excellent way for you to develop your cultural understanding and fluency in the Italian language. There are programs in Bologna, Florence and Rome, for students with varying levels of Italian language skills, from beginner to advanced.
- Art, Culture and History in the Eternal City: 4 weeks in Rome with a UC Davis professor, instruction in English
- UCEAP Programs in Italy
Careers and internships
Our alumni include physicians, attorneys, fashion designers, college professors, high-school teachers, professional artists, entrepreneurs and diplomatic service employees. The Italian Program takes pride in offering credit-bearing tutoring and internship opportunities on campus and abroad while you study in Italy. Consult an advisor for more information.