Title:
Revision and Renaming of the Minor in Italian as
the Minor in Italian and Italian American Studies, and
Addition of Text Describing the Endorsement in the Teaching of Italian
Sponsor:
Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Executive Summary:
The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies proposes a number of revisions to the Italian minor with
the purpose of making course offerings better reflect current trends in the field of Italian and Italian
American Studies. The Minor in Italian will be renamed to Minor in Italian and Italian American Studies.
Moreover, the department aims to make the program more streamlined so that students who elect to minor
in Italian and Italian American Studies can progress more efficiently through their plan of study. To this
end, the department will revise the core requisites for the minor and add ITAL 104 (Intermediate Italian
II, 4 hours) as part of that core. In addition, we will also drop, revise, renumber, and/or add a number of
courses. Finally, the department will reduce the total number of credit hours required for the minor from
21 to 19.
In addition, the department is correcting the catalog statement to reflect the new rules for second subject
teaching endorsements as determined by the Council on Teacher Education.
Descriptions and Justifications:
I. Changes in the Structure of the Minor
a. The title of the minor will be changed from Minor in Italian to Minor in Italian and Italian
American Studies.
Justification: The change in the title reflects the disciplinary change to a cultural studies model
and the change in department nomenclature, as well as the added focus on Italian American
subject matters. More to the point, it better represents the broadened interdisciplinary approach
that now clearly includes Italian American literatures and other cultural products in many of the
courses offered by the program.
b. The required courses for the minor will be ITAL 104 (or the equivalent) and two courses chosen
from ITAL 200 (Italian in Practice, 3 hours), ITAL 201 (Exploring Italy: Introduction to Writing
and Critical Methods, 3 hours), or ITAL 210 (Introduction to Italian Literary and Cultural
Studies, 3 hours). In addition, one 300-level course will be required for all minors. Finally, two
additional courses (six credits) at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level will be required.
Justification: The revised core courses for the minor will include ITAL 104, which will attract to
the Italian minor the population of students who successfully complete the basic language
program, and which will formally establish a pedagogical continuation between the 100- and the
200–level courses. The three 200-level courses from which students can choose to complete the
core 10 credit hours are essential in helping students build fundamental skills in Italian, as well as
building fundamental analytical skills necessary for the interpretation of Italian and Italian
American texts. The one course 300-level requirement will ensure that students in the minor
venture into at least one advanced course in the target language. The additional two courses at
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the 200 level or above will allow students to chose between a variety of offerings and acquire
broad, yet sound, knowledge in the field of Italian and Italian American studies with courses
taught in both English and Italian.
c. The number of credit hours required for the minor will be reduced from 21 to 19.
Justification: Reducing the total number of credit hours from 21 to 19 will allow students to
progress through the minor more rapidly; thus, the program will be attractive to a broader
spectrum of students.
II. Changes in Courses
a. Revised Courses
ITAL 104, Intermediate Italian II, 4 hours
ITAL 200, Italian in Practice (formerly, Conversational Italian), 3 hours
ITAL 201, Exploring Italy: Introduction to Writing and Critical Methods (formerly, Italian
Composition and Conversation), 3 hours
ITAL 210, Introduction to Italian Literary and Cultural Studies (formerly, Introduction to
Reading and Analysis of Italian Literary Texts), 3 hours
ITAL 230, Italian and Italian American Culture and Civilization (formerly Italian Culture and
Civilization), 3 hours
ITAL 280 Italian and Italian American Cinema (formerly numbered Ital 180; formerly titled
Italian Cinema), 3 hours
ITAL 293 Dante’s Divine Comedy (formerly numbered 193; formerly titled The Divine Comedy),
3 hours
ITAL 303, Advanced Italian Composition and Conversation, 3 hours
ITAL 411, Literary Forms in Early Renaissance, 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
ITAL 412, Literary Forms in Late Renaissance and Baroque, 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
ITAL 421, Advanced Modern Italian Literature, 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
ITAL 422, Contemporary Italian Literature, 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
ITAL 450, Divina Commedia I, 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
ITAL 451, Divina Commedia II, 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
Justification:
ITAL 104, Intermediate Italian II, or an equivalent, will now be a requirement for Italian and
Italian American Studies minors. The syllabus and teaching methodologies in ITAL 104 have
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been extensively revised in order to create a true bridge course between the 100 and the 200 level.
Given these changes, students now cover in ITAL 104 much of the material they previously
encountered in ITAL 200. As a result, it seems advantageous to offer ITAL 104 for credit for the
minor and encourage students to continue a plan of study that integrates the study of the Italian
language as a foundation to the minor in Italian and Italian American Studies. ITAL 200 (Italian
in Practice, formerly Conversational Italian), ITAL 201 (Exploring Italy: Introduction to Writing
and Critical Methods, formerly Italian Composition and Conversation), and ITAL 210
(Introduction to Italian Literary and Cultural Studies formerly Introduction to Reading and
Analysis of Italian Literary Texts) are fundamental for advancing basic language skills—oral,
reading, writing, and analytic—beyond the 100 level. The courses have been renamed and their
syllabi revised in order to build on the methodological and pedagogical revisions that have been
put into effect at the 100 level, as well as to allow faculty greater flexibility in course content. Ital
180, Italian Cinema merits a change in title in order to better reflect the content of the course.
The revised title of Ital 193, The Divine Comedy, reflects a change with the purpose of making it
more informative by including the author’s name. In addition, ITAL 180 and 193 are being
renumbered to the 200 level (280, Italian and Italian American Cinema, and 293, Dante’s Divine
Comedy, respectively) so as to more accurately indicate the level of work and analytical skills
required. The revised ITAL 230 (Italian and Italian American Culture and Civilization, formerly
Italian Culture and Civilization) will now include Italian American culture as part of its area of
study. ITAL 411, 412, 421, 422, 450, and 451 will exclusively see a change in their prerequisite
structure. ITAL 303 will now have ITAL 201 as its prerequisite, making these two courses a
series in composition and writing. All 400-level courses, with the exception of 461, 462, and 494,
will now have as a prerequisite any 300-level course, thus establishing a common set of
expectations for the skills necessary for all advanced literature and culture courses at the 400
level.
b. New Courses (all 3 hours)
ITAL 270, Migration and Diaspora in the Italian and Italian American Experience
ITAL 300, Advanced Topics in Italian Literary and Cultural Studies
ITAL 301, Advanced Topics in Italian Visual Media and Film
ITAL 302, Advanced Topics in Gender, Politics, and Cultural Difference in Italian Studies
Justification: These new courses reflect present trends in Italian and Italian American Studies,
where topics that include the study of cultural products beyond canonical literary texts (film and
other visual media, popular literatures such as magazines, etc.) are understood as essential to an
analysis of Italian culture both within its national boundaries and in its diaspora. New courses at
the 300 level share the same set of possible prerequisites, ITAL 200, ITAL 201, or ITAL 210,
thus establishing a common foundation for all advanced literature and culture courses at the 300
and 400 levels.
c. Dropped Courses (all 3 hours)
ITAL 190, Italian Literature in Translation I
ITAL 305, Advanced Italian Grammar
ITAL 310, Early Italian Literature and Society
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ITAL 311, Modern Italian Literature and Society
Justification: The following courses are being dropped: ITAL 190 (Italian Literature in
Translation I), ITAL 305 (Advanced Italian Grammar), ITAL 310 (Early Italian Literature and
Society), and ITAL 311 (Modern Italian Literature and Society). The department wishes to offer
courses that better correspond to a trans-historical literary and cultural studies model (rather than
a period/literary movement model). The department also does not deem necessary a traditional
grammar course at the 300 level because the development of writing and linguistics skills is fully
incorporated in all the courses taught in Italian at all levels.
III. Endorsement in the Teaching of Italian
The catalog statement has been revised to reflect the new rules for the endorsement in the teaching of
Italian as a second subject as established by the State of Illinois.
Justification: In the past, completion of a minor in Italian fulfilled most of the requirements in Illinois
for teaching Italian as a second subject. The Illinois State Board of Education has changed
requirements so that a minor is no longer sufficient. Instead, the ISBE makes possible only an
endorsement in teaching a second subject. Because requirements change often, the proposed catalog
statement points students to the UIC Council on Teacher Education to learn current requirements.
The second subject endorsement in Italian is a distinct program separate from the minor in Italian and
Italian American Studies.
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PRESENT
PROPOSED
Minor in Italian
Minor in Italian and Italian
American Studies
Students from other disciplines who want to
minor in Italian must complete 21 semester
hours as outlined below:
Required Courses—Italian Minor
Hours
ITAL 200—Conversational Italiana
3
ITAL 201—Italian Composition and
Conversation
3
ITAL 210—Introduction to Reading and
Analysis of Italian Literary Texts
3
ITAL 303—Advanced Italian Composition and
Conversation
3
ITAL 305—Advanced Italian Grammar
3
Two or three additional courses at the 200-,
300-, or 400-level
6–9
Total Hours—Italian Minor
21
a Fluent
Italian speakers substitute a higher-level course
for ITAL 200.
Students from other disciplines who want to
minor in Italian must complete 19 semester
hours as outlined below:
Required Courses—Italian and Italian
American Studies Minor
ITAL 104 or equivalent (4)
10
Two of the following courses:
ITAL 200—Italian in Practice (3)a
ITAL 201—Exploring Italy: Introduction to
Writing and Critical Methods (3)
ITAL 210—Introduction to Italian Literary
and Cultural Studiesbc (3)
Three credit hours at the 300 level.
3
Six additional credit hours in Italian and
Italian American Studies courses, 200 level
or above.
6
Total Hours—Italian and Italian
American Studies Minor
19
a Native
and Heritage speakers who place out of 104 will
not be admitted into this course, and should register for
ITAL 201 and/or 210. Please consult an LAS advisor for
eligibility for retroactive credit once you complete the ITAL
201 or ITAL 210 course.
Endorsement for the Teaching of Italian
Endorsement is available to students obtaining
full certification in an approved UIC Teacher
Education major. To teach Italian as a second
subject in Illinois public schools one must apply
for, meet all requirements, and receive an
Endorsement from the State Board of Education.
For information on requirements and application
procedures for a second subject endorsement in
Italian, contact the Council on Teacher
Education in the College of Education.
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PRESENT
PROPOSED
Study Abroad Programs—Italian
The Italian program encourages all minors to
take advantage of study abroad opportunities in
Italy available to UIC students. Students who
wish to be considered for study abroad should
consult the director of undergraduate studies
concerning prerequisites and requirements. For
information on these programs, please visit the
following Web site:
http://www.uic.edu/depts/spec_prog/studyabroa
d/Programs%20by%20region/europe.htm#italy.
For general information about study abroad
opportunities, please visit the UIC Study Abroad
office at
http://www.uic.edu/depts/spec_prog/studyabroa
d/.
Minority Impact Statement: The proposed revision will have no impact on minorities. The change in
the curriculum will allow students at all levels and with diverse backgrounds to study Italian and Italian
American Studies as in the past.
Budgetary and Staff Implications: The proposed revision requires no additional budgetary or staff
resources. The new courses and their expected rotation will require no additional instructor lines or
advisors.
Library Resource Implications: The proposed revision requires no additional library resources.
Space Implications: The proposed revision has no space implications.
Unit Approval Date: October 21, 2009
College Approval Dates: LAS Educational Policy Committee: 08.30.10
LAS Faculty: 09.21.10
Contact persons: Luis López, Professor and Head, Hispanic and Italian Studies
Rosie Hernández, Associate Professor, Hispanic and Italian Studies
Proposed Effective Date: Fall 2011
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Revision of the Minor in Italian
Courses
New Courses
ITAL 270 Migration and Diaspora in the Italian and Italian American Experience. 3 hours
Immigrants' identities as seen through literature, film, television, poetry. Focus will be on Italian and
Italian American narratives. Taught in English. Understanding U.S. Society course.
ITAL 300 Advanced Topics in Italian Literary and Cultural Studies. 3 hours
Advanced exploration of topics relating to Italian cultural studies with a special focus on Italian literature
and other media. Taught in Italian. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of credit if topics vary for
each registration and with consent of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): ITAL 200; or ITAL 201; or ITAL
210; or equivalent; or consent of the instructor
ITAL 301 Advanced Topics in Italian Visual Media and Film. 3 hours
Advanced topics course on specific periods or movements in Italian film and other visual media. Topics
will vary. Taught in Italian. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of credit if topics vary for each
registration and with consent of the instructor. Recommended Background: ITAL 280. Prerequisite(s):
ITAL 200; or ITAL 201; or ITAL 210; or equivalent; or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 302 Advanced Topics in Gender, Politics, and Cultural Difference in Italian Studies. 3 hours
Study of different cultural movements and their effects on the construction and deconstruction of national,
regional, class, and gender identities in the Italian context. Topics will vary. Taught in Italian. May be
repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of credit if topics vary for each registration and with consent of the
instructor. Prerequisite(s): ITAL 200; or ITAL 201; or ITAL 210; or equivalent; or consent of the
instructor.
Revised Courses
ITAL 104 Intermediate Italian II. 4 hours
Continuation of Italian 103. Emphasis on writing and reading skills, without forgoing oral practice.
Review of grammar. Credit is not given for ITAL 104 if the student has completed any 200-, 300-, 400-,
or 500-level Italian courses. In the Summer this course may be available in Siena, Italy. Prerequisite(s):
ITAL 103; or appropriate score on the department placement test.
ITAL 200 Italian in Practice (formerly, Conversational Italian). 3 hours
Intensive practice of spoken Italian through the study of different types of communication and the
exploration of Italian culture and society. Native and Heritage Italian speakers will be placed in a higher
level course. Native and heritage speakers of Italian may not register for this course. Prerequisite(s):
Grade of C or better in ITAL 104; or appropriate score on the department placement test or consent of the
instructor.
ITAL 201 Exploring Italy: Introduction to Writing and Critical Methods (formerly, Italian
Composition and Conversation). 3 hours
Through written analysis, students will explore cultural products and the cultural specificity of Italian
family life, educational system, work patterns, leisure activities, language and/or regional traditions
alongside historical events. Taught in Italian. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in ITAL 104; or
appropriate score on the department placement test; or consent of the instructor.
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ITAL 210 Introduction to Italian Literary and Cultural Studies (formerly, Introduction to Reading
and Analysis of Italian Literary Texts). 3 hours
Introduction to Italian literary and cultural studies through literature, film and other cultural products.
Taught in Italian. Credit is not given for Italian 210 if the student has credit in either Italian 190 or 191.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in ITAL 104; or appropriate score on the department placement test;
or consent of the instructor. Understanding the Creative Arts course.
ITAL 230 Italian and Italian American Culture and Civilization (formerly, Italian Culture and
Civilization). 3 hours
Italian and Italian American culture and civilization will explore key moments in Italian social history and
its connection to the Italian diaspora. Taught in English. Understanding the Past and Exploring World
Cultures course.
ITAL 280 Italian and Italian American Cinema (numbered from ITAL 180). 3 hours
Italian and Italian American films and cinematic movements presented within the context of Italian
culture and its diaspora. Taught in English. Films screened with English subtitles. Same as MOVI 280.
Recommended background: Credit or concurrent registration in ENGL 102; or Credit or concurrent
registration in ENGL 120; or Credit or concurrent registration in ENGL 121. Understanding the Creative
Arts course.
ITAL 293 Dante’s Divine Comedy (renumbered from ITAL 193; formerly titled The Divine Comedy). 3
hours
An in-depth study of the Divine Comedy, read in English, against the historical, religious, philosophical
and cultural background of the Middle Ages. Same as CST 293 and RELS 293. Taught in English.
Creative Arts and Understanding the Past course.
ITAL 303 Advanced Italian Composition and Conversation. 3 hours
Intensive training in oral and written expression based on the study of contemporary Italian texts.
Grammar review. Prerequisite(s): ITAL 201 or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 411 Literary Forms in Early Renaissance. 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
The development of Epic Poetry (Pulci, Boiardo, Ariosto) within the literary, political, and social context
(Machiavelli and Castiglione). Prerequisite(s): Any Italian course at the 300 level or above or consent of
the instructor.
ITAL 412 Literary Forms in Late Renaissance and Baroque. 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
Representative literary works of the genres of the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries: Epic poem of
Tasso and poetry of Marino. The birth of the Commedia dell'Arte form. Prerequisite(s): Any Italian
course at the 300 level or above or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 421 Advanced Modern Italian Literature. 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
From Romanticism to Decadentism: emphasis on the work of Leopardi and Manzoni; analysis of poems
by Carducci, Pascoli, D'Annunzio, Gozzano. Prerequisite(s): Any Italian course at the 300 level or above
or consent of the instructor.
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ITAL 422 Contemporary Italian Literature. 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
The Novel from Verismo to Umberto Eco: readings from Verga, Svevo, Moravia, Calvino. Hermetic
poetry: emphasis on Ungaretti, Montale, Sereni, Luzi. Theater: From Pirandello to Fo. Prerequisite(s):
Any Italian course at the 300 level or above or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 450 Divina Commedia I. 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
An in-depth study of the Divine Comedy against the philosophical and theological background of the
Middle Ages. Covers Inferno and half of Purgatorio. Prerequisite(s): Any Italian course at the 300 level
or above or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 451 Divina Commedia II. 3 undergraduate/4 graduate hours
An in-depth study of the Divine Comedy against the philosophical and theological background of the
Middle Ages. Covers Paradiso and half of Purgatorio. Prerequisite(s): Any Italian course at the 300 level
or above or consent of the instructor.
Dropped Courses
ITAL 190 Italian Literature in Translation I. 3 hours
Development from origins through the seventeenth century. Discussion of major works of Boccaccio,
Ariosto, Machiavelli. No credit is given for ITAL 190 if the student has credit in ITAL 210. Does not
count toward Italian major or minor.
ITAL 305 Advanced Italian Grammar. 3 hours
Systematic study of syntax and morphology. Prerequisite(s): ITAL 201, Conversation and Composition,
or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 310 Early Italian Literature and Society. 3 hours
Representative figures and literary works from the beginning through the sixteenth century, considered in
their social, cultural, and literary settings: Petrarch, Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Ariosto, Tasso.
Prerequisite(s): ITAL 210, Introduction to Italian Literary Studies, or consent of the instructor.
ITAL 311 Modern Italian Literature and Society. 3 hours
Italian literary movements through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, considered in their historical
setting. Romanticism and Risorgimento; before and after Fascism: from Verga to Eco. Prerequisite(s):
ITAL 210, Introduction to Analysis of Literary Texts, or consent of the instructor.
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