Italian and French Studies

Benvenute e benvenuti! Bienvenue!

Our Italian and French Studies department offers award-winning teaching and one-on-one mentoring. We are dedicated to helping our students learn a second (or third!) language, and to introducing them to the richness of Italian and Francophone cultures.

Our Italian courses, which include beginner and intermediate level language courses and an appealing array of literature and culture courses taught in English, may be taken either as electives or towards earning an Italian Studies Minor.

Our French students may pursue any of the major or minor programs offered by the University of Waterloo, and may be eligible for opportunities to study in Quebec (Chicoutimi) or France.

Students who have earned, or plan to earn, two consecutive language credits --  for example ITAL101 and 102, or FR192A and 192B -- may consider pursuing the Global Experience program.
 

Course sequencing

Language students must be careful to take courses in order. It is not permitted to ‘backtrack’ and take courses out of sequence. For example, ITAL 101 may NOT be taken after ITAL102, and FR192B may NOT be taken after FR251.
 
If you are unsure what level of course is appropriate for you, please contact us for more information. Grazie & Merci!

Italian studies

The following is a list of the programs and academic plans offered through the St. Jerome's University Italian department: Italian Studies Minor and Diploma in Italian Language.

The courses offered by the St. Jerome's Italian Studies department are listed below.

For additional program information, please visit Italian and Italian Studies on the Programs and Plans section of the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar.

French studies

The following is a list of the programs and academic plans offered through the French Studies department, including Three-Year General, Four-Year General, Honours, Honours French - Professional French Specialization, Honours French (Arts and Business Co-op and Regular), Honours Double Major French, French Minor, Third Year in France and Quebec, and Certificates in French. 

The courses offered by the St. Jerome's French Studies department are listed below.

For additional program information, please visit French on the Programs and Plans section of the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar.

ITALST 271: Italian Canadian Experience

This course investigates the history of Italian migration to Canada. Students explore historical, literary, archival and oral records. They use digital tools to curate and upload their research to an open-access online exhibit and acquire competence in copyright and ethics clearance. Assignments and projects address issues facing those who work in the creation and preservation of heritage material in digital form. Lectures and texts are in English. Students registered in ITALST 271, offered in collaboration with Italian Studies at the University of Guelph, will meet online for a three-hour weekly lecture.

Italian Studies Departmental Award Winner, Isabella Boni

Throughout my time at the University of Waterloo, I have been part of the Honours Science program with a focus on biology. When selecting courses in my first year, I was excited to discover that I could take Italian classes as electives, as I wanted to strengthen my connection to my heritage and better communicate with my Nonna! As I explored UW’s offerings, the Italian Studies Minor and Diploma stood out because they combined both language and cultural studies. Although my main goal was pursuing optometry, I decided to use this as an opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn more about my background. I loved studying Italian culture, cinema, the arts, and the language itself! Whenever I had room in my schedule, I enrolled in an Italian course, and by the end of my last term, I had completed them all. Each course covered something unique about Italian culture and reinforced for me how deeply connected the sciences and the humanities can be. When my Nonna passed away during my second year, I made it my goal to complete the Minor and Diploma in her memory. It became especially meaningful, and this motivation carried me throughout the rest of my studies.

Celebrating our students!

Nadia Formisano, a recent grad of the Italian Studies Minor, has been accepted to the M.A. program in Italian Studies at the University of Toronto. Nadia shared these thoughts about her experience at St. Jerome's:

"The Italian Studies Minor at SJU is a well-rounded program, featuring languages courses as well as those discussing literature, culture, and history. The minor provided a solid foundation for my education in the field, helping me to earn a place in a prestigious Italian Studies Graduate Program where I’ll be able to continue my education."

Congratulations on this next step in your education Nadia!

Oral history interview

Visit the Waterloo Italian Heritage Project to read oral history interviews showcasing experiential learning in Italian Studies at St. Jerome's University.

St. Jerome's is proud to celebrate Professor Emeritus of Italian and French Studies, Dr. Gabe Niccoli, who has received the Order of the Star of Italy from the Italian Ambassador to Canada for accomplishments across his career in promoting deeper understanding of Italian culture. This prestigious award is the highest civilian honour given to citizens outside of Italy. Dr. Niccoli is an award-winning teacher, accomplished scholar, and his legacy at the university continues with The Gabriel Niccoli Italian Culture Award which recognizes a graduating student for their academic excellence in the study of Italian culture. 

Visit the Italian Embassy's website to to read the whole story.

The following students were recipients of the Italian Studies departmental awards:

Departmental Award for Academic Achievement at St. Jerome's

Isabella Boni

Gabriel Niccoli Italian Culture Award

Isabella Boni