FAQ

General Questions

What careers do Italian Studies Majors pursue?

• Italian majors pursue careers in:
• Hospitality
• Fashion and design
• Wine and food sectors
• Banking
• Political and economic policy
• Art history
• Museum studies

How do I know if the Italian Studies major/minor is the right choice for me?

We recommend that you meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) at italian.dept@nyu.edu if you have any questions. 

What does Casa Italiana Zerilli–Marimò do?

They host a variety of events including film screenings, cooking demonstrations, theater and musical performances, and discussions with Italian politicians. Visit the Casa Italiana Zerilli–Marimò website and subscribe to their listserv to stay up to date with all their events.

Casa Italiana Zerilli–Marimò sounds interesting. Can I attend even after I graduate?

Yes! Casa Italiana Zerilli–Marimò hosts free events for the public so you can attend even after you graduate. Your non NYU friends are also welcome to all their events as well.

Are there resources for jobs/internships?

Yes, visit our Internship page. Students are also encouraged to check LinkedIn,  NYU Handshake, Indeed.com, and Idealist.org. 

Language Course Questions

What is the general language pathway?

Elementary --> Intermediate --> Advanced Review --> all other advanced language courses including:

• ITAL-UA 101 Conversations
• ITAL-UA 107 Italian Through Cinema
• ITAL-UA 110 Translation
• ITAL-UA 115 Readings in Medieval & Modern Literature
• ITAL-UA 116 Readings in Modern Italian Literature

I took Italian in high school. How do I decide which Italian level is for me?

Per department policy, all students who have taken Italian prior to studying at NYU must take the CAS Language Placement Exam. As students can only take it once every 18 months, we encourage you to review a little prior to taking the 1 hour timed test. Students cannot register in a level higher than that which the exam placed them into.

I took the language placement exam. Now what?

Forward your results to italian.dept@nyu.edu to be manually enrolled.

I think I placed too high. What do I do?

Email your results to italian.dept@nyu.edu and explain why you don’t think that level is appropriate. 

How does the in-house tutoring work?

NYU undergraduate students currently enrolled in an Italian language course can book up to 1 hour per week with our in-house tutor. Prior to midterms and exams, the In-House tutor will schedule review sessions for each level of Italian. View our In-House Tutoring page for the current In-House Tutor’s contact information and upcoming review sessions.

Major/Minor Questions

When should I declare my major/minor in Italian Studies?

We strongly encourage you to declare a soon as you decide it is for you. This allows us to better track your progress to degree and helps ensure you have the most up to date information about classes and the department.

What if I change my mind and decide that an Italian Studies major/minor is not for me?

Email italian.dept@nyu.edu with your N# so we can update our records and your Albert profile.

What courses count toward the major or minor?

Courses that begin with can ITAL-UA generally count. View our Undergraduate page to view the relevant degree requirement breakdown. If you’re not sure if a course can count or what requirement a course can fulfill, email italian.dept@nyu.edu.

Can I double major in Italian Studies?

Yes! We have many double majors (Stern, GLS, Economics, etc). We think it’s great when students double major. If you are double majoring, we do encourage you to meet in-person with our department so that way we can help make sure you’re on track and are using your credits as efficiently as possible.

Can GLS Students double major?

Yes! Many of our students are GLS majors. Visit our Major in Italian Studies page for more information.

How do I declare a major?

Majors: You should stop by the Italian Studies department at 24 W 12^th St, 4^th floor to complete a declaration form. If you are studying away, you can email a completed Declaration form to italian.dept@nyu.edu.

Double Majors: You should stop by the Italian Studies department at 24 W 12^th St, 4^th floor to complete a declaration form. If you are studying away, you can email a completed Declaration form to italian.dept@nyu.edu. Since you are a double major, you must meet with our department either when you declare or when you return from studying abroad to ensure you finish your major in a timely fashion.

How do I declare a minor?

Minors: Complete the Declaration Form.

How many courses do I need for the minor?

You will need 16 credits. These can be a mix of 4 and 2 credit courses so long as you meet the language requirement. View the Italian Studies Minor webpage for course breakdown and requirements or email italian.dept@nyu.edu with your questions.

Can I double count courses?

For the major or minor, you can count two (2) CORE-UA and/or FRSEM-UA courses (taught by an Italian Studies Faculty member). Per CAS policy, no more than 2 courses can be double counted.

For GLS double majors:

• You can count 1 advanced Italian Studies course toward the required 2 course senior seminar requirement. Thus, at least 1 senior seminar will be taken at GLS. 
  
• Courses with a significant transnational content will also count toward meeting the GLS Advanced Global Topics requirement (usually completed while abroad during junior year). Examples of possible courses include ITAL 9283 Other Worlds: Travel Literature in Italy, ITAL-UA 164 Italian Colonialism, and ITAL-UA 165 Italian Fascism. Other courses may be approved by mutual agreement from both departments.

Can I count an Independent Study toward my major or minor?

An Independent Study can count toward the major, not toward the minor. Department consent is required to enroll in an Independent Study. Email italian.dept@nyu.edu for more information.

What does the Undergraduate Representative do?

They bring suggestions to the department meeting and Italian Studies Undergraduate Curriculum Committee held once a semester. Suggestions are then reviewed and discussed. If faculty are in favor of the idea, Elisa helps implement the suggestions with the student’s assistance when applicable. Suggestions brought and implemented include the addition of 2 credit courses, courses on fashion and the mafia, and the creation of the Italian Language Practice Group.

Courses

How many students are typically in an Italian studies course?

Classes are generally between 5-20 students. This allows students to build relationships with other students and faculty.

Do I need to know Italian to take Italian Studies course?

Not necessarily. Other than our language courses (ITAL-UA 1 to ITAL - 116), at least half the courses taught each semester are in English.

How do I know if a course is taught in Italian?

It should say “taught in Italian” on the course flyer, in Albert, or on our website. If you’re unsure, contact the department at italian.dept@nyu.edu.

Are there any 2 credit courses?

Yes! Starting in Fall 2019, we will try to offer at least 1, if not more, 2 credit course each semester.

I’m a transfer student. How do I go about transferring credit?

First, take the CAS Language Placement Exam so you can be placed into the appropriate Italian language course. Next, forward syallbi of any courses with significant Italian content that you think can apply to the major to italian.dept@nyu.edu for review.

I want to count a course that has significant Italian content but that does not begin with the ITAL-UA code toward the major/minor. What do I do?

Email the syllabi to italian.dept@nyu.edu with your N# for review. Permission to count this course toward the major/minor should be obtained BEFORE enrolling in the course.

I have a course suggestion or other suggestion for the department. Who do I talk to?

Great! We’re always looking for student input. Contact either the Undergraduate Representative (Samantha Burge) or italian.dept@nyu.edu with your idea.

Advising

Who is my advisor?

Students are encouraged to meet with the DUS anytime. Students often choose to discuss such topics as academic interests or life after NYU. Students can meet with the administrative aide to discuss general undergraduate program questions such registration questions including prerequisites, language placement exams, and scheduling.

I’m a major. How do I get cleared for registration?

Email italian.dept@nyu.edu to be cleared. If you are a Romance Language major or Italian and Linguistics major, either the Italian Studies department or the other department can clear you. However, you should still at least send your proposed course schedule for the Italian Studies component to italian.dept@nyu.edu so we can ensure that you are on track to graduate.

What if my degree progress report does not accurately reflect my completed requirements?

Albert sometimes organizes Italian Studies courses incorrectly.  If your report doesn’t look accurate, email italian.dept@nyu.edu with your transcript and N#.

Can I count CORE courses or Freshman Seminars toward my major/minor?

Yes, you can count up to two in total.

Honors Program

What is the Honors program?

The Honors Program is for Italian Studies, Romance Languages, and Italian and Linguistics majors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.65. Students write a 40-60 page thesis in their senior year.

How does the Honors Program work?

Qualified students take ITAL-UA 999 Senior Honors Seminar in the Fall semester where they prepare for the thesis through research. Students then take ITAL-UA 990 Honors Independent Study in Spring. In Spring, students write the thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Department consent is required to enroll in both courses. Email italian.dept@nyu.edu for the permission code.

Should I do honors?

It’s really up to you provided you have the GPA and space in your schedule. It is a great option if you are thinking about graduate school and it also helps differentiate you in the job market. You are encouraged to meet with the DUS if you’re not sure.

As a GLS students, can I do the honors program?

Yes. Email italian.dept@nyu.edu for details. Generally, GLS students will complete the thesis courses in GLS and have a 2^nd reader from the Italian Studies department. Due to faculty sabbaticals, leaves, etc. it is best to narrow down your 2^nd reader as soon as possible.

Student Activities & Engagement

How do I join the Italian Club?

You can join by logging into NYU Engage with your NetID and signing up for the Italian Club. 

What is the Italian Language Practice Group?

It’s a student run conversation group with students at all levels of Italian who want to practice the language more. Snacks are served every session.

Do I need to RSVP to Italian Language Practice Groups?

No, you can just show up!

I can’t make one Practice Group. Is that OK?

Yes! The practice group is meant to be informal and to accommodate busy schedules. As such, you can show up to whatever practices you can. Follow the Italian Club Instagram for updates. 

Do I need to bring anything to the Italian Language Practice Group?

No, but you can bring a notebook and any vocabulary or grammar structures you want to practice if you would like (but definitely not required).

I want to start a student run group or new Italian related club. What do I do next?

Great! Email italian.dept@nyu.edu  with your idea and the contact information of other interested students and we'll try to help you along.