Undergraduate

We offer a broad range of undergraduate courses that include everything from work in either language to intensive study of literature, film, and culture, research with our faculty, travel abroad, and more. Our faculty have expertise in subjects ranging across historical periods and geographical regions and work collaboratively with faculty in Comparative Literature, Gender Studies, American Studies and Ethnicity, the Middle Eastern Studies Program, among other departments and programs.

Class sizes are small, never exceeding 19 students, ensuring rich discussion and close contact between faculty and students. Language courses cover spoken and written language, composition and conversation, and emphasize oral and written proficiency assessed through nationally-recognized standards. Upper division courses cover literature, culture, cinema, theatre, and other media, with subjects spanning from Renaissance Studies to specials topics in 21st-century Francophone and Italian culture.

We believe in the value of study abroad and guide students to find programs that are the best fit for them, from semester and year-long programs, to short summer courses in Dijon and new JulyMester programs in Rome, as well as specialized Maymester and PWP courses.

Students who wish to go beyond our regular courses of study can apply for our Honors Program, and we honor excellent work in our National Honor Societies for French and Italian. For students who are interested in other fields of professional study, we also offer a Business French course, along with regular special events, talks, and conferences organized in collaboration with the French and Italian Consulates in Los Angeles.

If you are interested in declaring a major or a minor in either French or Italian (or both), please contact the department’s academic advisor for French and Italian Isaura Peña or contact our our Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Julie Van Dam to discuss tailoring our wide range of courses to your academic interests.