Italian
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
College of Arts and Sciences
910 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4620
Phone: 716.645.2191
Fax: 716.645.5981
Web: rll.buffalo.edu/rll
Email: rll-info@buffalo.edu
Maureen Jameson
Chair
Emanuele Licastro
Director of Undergraduate Studies and Language Program Director
716.645.2191, ext. 1170
licastro@buffalo.edu
About the Department
The programs in the RLL department help students develop a high level of foreign-language proficiency and deepen their knowledge of foreign literatures and cultures. Our students also explore the relationship between cultures and discover different ways of viewing the world.
Degrees Offered
Undergraduate: B.A., Minor
Graduate: M.A.H.
About Our Degrees
The objectives of the Italian program are to develop students' proficiency in the use of the language, to familiarize them with the history of Italian literature, and to train them in the reading, interpretation and appreciation of the country's literary masterpieces.
Acceptance Information
Applications to the major and minor are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are available at the department office or on the RLL website.
Number of applicants (2003-2004): 10
Accepted majors/minors (2003-2004): 10
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 8
Total number of minors currently enrolled: 3
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following prerequisite courses: ITA 101, ITA 102, ITA 203, ITA 206.
Degree Requirements
See the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Courses
The typical class size for:
Freshman/introductory level courses is: 24
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 20
Upper level/advanced courses is: 15
In the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, what do student teaching assistants (TAs) do?
TA’s generally teach introductory-level courses.
For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.
About Our Faculty
Classes in the Italian program are small in size, and are taught by faculty with recognized commitment to teaching. One faculty member has received the Milton Plesur Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Special Academic Opportunities
Study Abroad
SUNY offers study abroad programs in Florence, Rome, and Venice. See Study Abroad Programs.
Awards
Departmental Honors are awarded to graduating students based on GPA.
Extracurricular Activities
There are many opportunities to participate in out-of-class enrichment activities through the RLL department, including conversation groups and lectures. The Italian Department Club sponsors rewarding cultural events such as a film night. The club has received several UB Student Association awards.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
- Architecture
- Classics
- English
- Environmental Design
- French
- History
- Management
- Social Sciences Interdisciplinary: International Studies
- Spanish
Advising Information
Please contact Dr. Emanuele Licastro (716-645-2191, ext. 1170; licastro@buffalo.edu) for advising and any questions regarding Italian courses or the Italian program.
Career Information
Students in Italian find a number of career opportunities open to them. Among graduates in the past decade, a small number have gone on to do graduate work, some have gone on to law school, and others have found positions in public service and secondary education. Whatever career appeals to graduating students, fluency in Italian will assuredly be an advantage.
Some careers our graduates have pursued include:
- Anthropological linguist
- Diplomat
- Foreign service officer
- Foreign student advisor
- Immigration inspector
- International relations specialist
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Public relations specialist
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Translator