TSM English Literature and Italian

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Course overview

Having played a leading role in European civilisation since the Middle Ages, Italy today is one of the major economies of the world, famous for its style, design and innovation. Many people are fascinated by Italy, its people and culture, and Trinity College's courses give you the opportunity to develop your interest in a systematic way. Our courses also help you meet the challenge of mastering a new language; you can take Italian at Trinity College 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, if you 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 beginners' course in grammar, translation, conversation, audio/video and computer-based language learning.

There are 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, 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. You may apply to spend the second year at a European university through the Erasmus programme. There are links with the Universities of Bologna, Trieste and Pavia.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have moved into all types of jobs: journalism, translation, theatre, business, law, public administration, import-export, writing, PR, diplomacy, corporate recruitment, finance, football management and teaching. Some have gone to live and work in Italy. Of those who opted for further study, some have selected postgraduate courses in arts, social sciences, and European studies, while others have opted for training in law, marketing, journalism, teaching, acting, translation and business.

Further information

Tel: +353 1 896 2062E-mail:

Graduate profile

Peter Sherrard.

Peter Sherrard graduated in Italian and French in 1998, and went on to work in senior management with Ryanair. He was Country Manager for Italy, and later became Director of Communications with the airline before switching to the same role with the Football Association of Ireland. He took up his post with the FAI at the same time that the Irish national team acquired its first Italian manager, Giovanni Trapattoni.

We asked Peter how Italian studies had worked out for him. Hereplied: "Italian is a huge asset and helped to open many doors early in my career. Being a niche skill, it gives rise to all sorts of experience which would not normally be available to most arts graduates. With self belief, luck and desire to learn quickly, Italian graduates can soon find themselves managing complex business situations and given responsibilities far greater than offered to their peers. There are so few of us, that employers can often have little choice but to do so."In my own case, I was made county manager for Italy, (Ryanair's second largest market after the UK) at the age of 26. I would never have had this opportunity so early on, were it not for my knowledge of Italian. Although my last two jobs were not dependant on Italian and drew instead on the other skills it had allowed me to access, I still try to use it wherever I can. The current Italian flavour of Ireland's football team management means that I am not short of opportunities."

Admission Requirements

For general admission requirements please click here