Welcome to the Department of Italian & French Studies
Academics
Italian & French Studies
Events
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.
COMING Fall 2021: Diploma in Italian Language
Open to all full-time degree students interested in earning an attestation of Italian language competency. Requirements: completion of four ITALIAN courses with a minimum average of 70%. Why not begin working toward the Diploma in Italian Language now by enrolling in ITAL101 or ITAL102 in Winter 2021? Buon lavoro!
BRAVA ! Congratulations to our new faculty member, Dr. Roberta Cauchi-Santoro, for being awarded a $7000 UW/SSHRC Explore Grant for her project entitled: « From Leopard to Joyce, Beckett and Levinas: Aesthetic Melancholy in the European Quietist Tradition ».
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
2021 Academic Achievement Awards
Congratulations to 2021 graduate Julia Baker (French Studies) for achieving the highest academic achievement in the Department of Italian and French Studies.
2021 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 Yashar Alizadeh-Ebadi who is the 2021 recipient of this award.
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.