In the Department of French and Italian, we explore the rich oral, written, and visual cultures of France, Italy, and the Francophone world. The study of these romance languages and the cultures they inhabit is an intellectual adventure that leads to the core of Western civilization. In the arts, media, political theory, philosophy, and religious thought, both France and Italy have played central roles in shaping the modern world.
Undergraduates may pursue Francophone language and literature -- from medieval fiction, poetry, and drama to contemporary literature, literary theory, and intellectual history. Or they may opt for French language and linguistics -- including language pedagogy and second-language acquisition. Parallel to this is Italian language, literature and culture -- from Dante to contemporary media.
We actively pursue interdisciplinary scholarship and maintain close affiliations with Comparative Literature, Film Studies, Theater and Dance, Medieval Studies, Renaissance Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology, Global Studies, and Feminist Studies. We also strongly encourage students to study abroad in Italy or in a French-speaking country.
French and Italian News & Features
