Italian Studies
About the major
The Department of Italian Studies is one of the best resourced in Australia offering programs from absolute language beginners to PhD. At undergraduate level, it offers a wide range of language and culture units of study. The language units cater for students at different entry points and, through innovative teaching methods, aim to develop high levels of linguistic skills. The culture units aim to develop in-depth understanding of some of the most representative Italian authors, thinkers, and literary and intellectual movements from the Middle Ages to the present, within their historical and socio-cultural context; and of contemporary Italy from a socio-linguistic, historical and cultural perspective.
If you wish to major in Italian Studies you are expected to engage with both language acquisition and cultural studies, in order to gain a deep understanding of the close connection between language and culture. All our units of study aim to develop your analytical and critical skills, so as to enable you to pursue your interest in all aspects of Italian language, literature and culture, and equip you with the necessary skills for honours and postgraduate studies. We also strongly encourage you to spend a semester in Italy as part of your undergraduate studies, and to this effect we have developed agreements with several Italian universities.
Requirements for completion
The Italian Studies major and minor are available via the pathways indicated below.
Students will follow the appropriate pathway specified in the unit of study tables, based on their individual language level*. Students completing any of the pathways below will be awarded a major or minor in Italian Studies.
* Appropriate language units are determined either by language level and grade therein achieved in Higher School Certificate (as listed in the pathways linked above) or International Baccalaureate, and/or by one-on-one interviews prior to commencement. If you are unsure of your language level or which pathway is appropriate for you, please contact the Department for advice.
Please note: A ‘gap’ year after Year 12 does not normally affect placement.
Learning outcomes
| No. | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in Italian to at least Common European Framework of Reference level B2. |
| 2 | Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the major issues relating to Italian culture and society. |
| 3 | Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and openly in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary settings to achieve high quality results. |
| 4 | Apply theoretical tools and methodologies developed in Italian studies to new situations, including interdisciplinary contexts. |
| 5 | Develop communication and digital literacy skills that are transferable to other disciplines and professional settings. |
| 6 | Demonstrate research and enquiry skills that foster an engagement with scholarly debates in the broad area of Italian Studies. |
| 7 | Critically analyse different perspectives on Italian society and cultures, and formulate arguments and hypotheses to offer alternative perspectives. |
| 8 | Apply ethical standards in academic research and practices while working in diverse groups and across disciplines and cultures. |
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies in SLC prepares students to actively engage in the complex and culturally diverse contemporary world. Students will utilise linguistic and methodological skills developed in their previous studies to develop their knowledge on institutions, practices and ideas that permeate different cultures in the local and global context. They will be offered opportunities to participate in projects on translation, acculturation and self-reflexivity and to examine textual and social real-world problems related to topics which include translation, migration studies, cultural diversity and social integration.
Requirements and units of study for advanced coursework can be found on the Italian Studies advanced coursework units of study page.
Honours
The honours program consists of seminars on research methodologies and on specific areas of Italian Studies, and a thesis on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the department.
Honours admission requirements
Admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in Italian Studies with an average of 70% or above.
Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, where undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Italian Studies honours units of study page.
Contacts and further information
More information and current contact details for academic coordinators can be found at: sydney.edu.au/arts/italian.