Welcome to the Department of Italian & French Studies
Academics
Italian & French Studies
BENVENUTO! BIENVENUE!
However small our department may be, we are big on this: 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.
All those interested in French, Québécois, or Italian cinema are invited to come out to our movie nights, Soirées ciné and Cineclub Italiano! To practice your Italian conversation skills, join us at the weekly "Circolo" taking place on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. in SJ1 Room 3013.
Special note on 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, FR192B may NOT be taken after FR251.
If you are unsure what level of course is appropriate for you, please contact the Department. Grazie & Merci!
Course Spotlight
Media Folder:
2020 Academic Achievement Awards
Congratulations to 2020 graduate Jesse Ventura (French Studies) for achieving the highest academic achievement in the Department of Italian and French Studies. The award was announced as part of the "A Message for Our Graduates" video uploaded to the website, further to the cancellation of this year's Graduation Ceremony. We look forward to celebrating all Academic Achievement Award recipients at the 2020 Graduation Celebration Reunion, taking place on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
2020 Gabriel Niccoli Italian Culture Award
The Department of Italian and French Studies is pleased to announce the creation of a new award in honour of Professor Emeritus Gabriel Niccoli, long-time department Chair and recipient of the University of Waterloo's Distinguished Teacher Award. The Gabriel Niccoli Italian Culture Award is a cash award which recognizes academic excellence in the study of Italian culture.
Congratulations to Peter del Rosso who is this year's recipient of this award, having achieved the highest combined average in the culture courses ITALST 291 and 292. The award was announced as part of the "A Message for Our Graduates" video uploaded to the website, further to the cancellation of this year's Graduation Ceremony.
Upcoming Events
Please note that in keeping with University of Waterloo protocols, events that are not vital to the academic mission of the university have been suspended.