Italian Studies at Berkeley is an interdisciplinary enterprise. You will find courses in Italian language, literature, history, cultural studies, film, and folklore offered by the Department, both in Italian and in English. You will also discover that courses with significant Italian content are often taught in other departments and programs, including History of Art, Music, Comparative Literature, Film Studies, Anthropology, Political Science, History, and Medieval Studies. If you’re thinking of a major in Italian Studies, talk to the Undergraduate Adviser as early as possible, in order to plan an individualized course of study.

If you have a strong interest in things Italian but do not yet know the language, we offer a range of general education courses, both upper and lower division, including offerings that fulfill breadth requirements in Arts and Literature, Historical Studies, Philosophy and Values, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The Department also offers reading and composition (R & C) courses.

If you already have a primary major, but would like to make good use of those credits earned on the EAP program in Italy or of upper division work done in Italian Studies here at Berkeley, explore the possibility of a minor or a double major in Italian Studies. Consult our FAQs about majors, minors, and double majors.

Always wanted to learn Italian, but just couldn’t fit in into your schedule? Check out the opportunities for summer study both here at Berkeley and abroad in Florence. In addition, the EAP offers academic year programs in Padua, Bologna, Trento, Siena, Milan, and Rome.

If you’re just getting started in the study of the Italian language, or are interested in transferring from another college or university, you can get more information on this website or by speaking to the undergraduate adviser.