Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
85
Italian
COURSE CODE:
PLACES 2012:
POINTS 2011:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR001 (TSM)
30
390*-565
B.A.
TSM points:
See page 27
Special Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate
HC3
In Italian or in a
language other
than English
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade C In Italian or in a
language other
than English
Italian (TSM) must be combined with one other subject
from the two-subject moderatorship (TSM) programme.
TSM is a joint honor programme. An honors degree is
awarded in both subjects. For subjects that combine with
Italian, see page 36.
Alternatively, Italian may be selected as one of the two
languages studied in the European studies programme
(TR023).
Italian can be studied ab initio (from beginner level) within
both TSM and European studies.
Course overview
Having played a leading role in shaping European civilisation,
Italy today is one of the world’s most dynamic economies,
famous for style, design and innovation. If you want to develop
an in-depth knowledge of Italy’s people and culture, the Trinity
course gives you the opportunity to develop your interest in
a systematic way. We also help you meet the challenge of
mastering a new language; you can start Italian here as a
complete beginner. There is close contact between students of
Italian and staff; you will receive individual attention and will be
encouraged to discuss your progress at all times.
Is this the right course for you?
Italian is an excellent subject choice if you have a natural flair
for languages, and enjoy exploring foreign countries and their
cultures, or if you want to follow a career in the multilingual
Europe of today.
Course content
The Freshman years
In the Junior Freshman (first) year, you will follow an intensive
course in grammar, translation, conversation, audio/video and
computer-based language learning.
We provide about eight classroom hours per week, mostly
devoted to language learning including grammar, conversation
and other activities, together with assignments to be carried out
independently. You will be introduced to modern Italian history,
poetry, drama and fiction.
In the Senior Freshman (second) year you continue with
language courses, Italian literature including Dante’s Inferno
and other key texts from the Renaissance, together with Italian
cinema and cultural studies.
The Sophister years
The Junior and Senior Sophister (third and fourth) years focus
on major authors of the medieval, Renaissance and later
periods, including contemporary perspectives on Italy and its
culture. Options are available in literature, language, film, history
and society. There is a continuing emphasis on strengthening
your language proficiency and developing higher-level skills in
translation, text editing and writing.
In your final year the programme includes courses on Italian
language varieties, key works by Dante, Boccaccio, Machiavelli
and others, with a thematic approach to the modern period.
Optional topics can be studied in depth, and you will research
a substantial dissertation on an agreed theme.
Assessment
There is a combination of written, oral and aural examinations,
in addition to essays and continuous assessment of coursework
and assignments.
Study abroad
A minimum two-month stay in Italy will be required at some
time over the duration of your course. This can be broken into
convenient shorter visits. You can also apply to spend your
second year at a European university through the Erasmus
programme. We have links with the Universities of Bologna,
Trieste and Pavia.
Career opportunities
Advanced language skills are sought after in today’s job
market – even here in Ireland, where many companies sell their
products and services into Europe. Our graduates end up in all
kinds of jobs: business, law, public administration, import-export,
writing, journalism, translation, theatre, PR, diplomacy, corporate
recruitment, finance, football management, teaching of all kinds,
and even banking. Some have opted to live and work in Italy.
Many do further study, selecting postgraduate courses in arts,
social sciences, and European studies, while others have opted
for professional training in law, marketing, journalism, teaching,
acting, translation, interpreting and business.
Further information
Tel: +353 1 896 2062
E-mail: