Italian Studies for teaching degree programs

Overview

At the heart of Italian Studies is the scientific study of the Italian language, literature and culture. You will acquire methodical and analytical skills that will enable you to speak and write about the Italian language and Italian texts and media in a reflective manner. Historical, political and social contexts are always taken into account, making you an expert on Italy – a country that not only has an exceptionally rich cultural tradition but is also an important economic partner for Germany.

Contents

In the part of the program devoted to literary and cultural studies, you will become familiar with Italian literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present, including the works of authors from Dante Alighieri to Roberto Savino; but also with Italian-language literature from other cultures. In the linguistic part of the program, you will systematically deal with the structure and history of the Italian language. You can already choose your individual specializations from the second semester onwards. In addition, the examination regulations valid throughout Bavaria guarantee that students can take the State Examination, which is uniform throughout the entire federal state.

An essential component of the program is the deepening and broadening of your own Italian proficiency. You will choose from a wide range of practical language and cultural courses conducted by Italian native speakers. A special feature of the program at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt is the possibility to study Italian Studies even without previous language skills. You can acquire corresponding language proficiency during the first semester by attending specially offered intensive courses.

A further component of the teaching degree program are modules in subject didactics, in which questions of language acquisition and the teaching of language, literature and culture in school lessons are approached. These areas are also interesting for work outside of school contexts, especially with regard to the promotion of intercultural skills, as is required in adult education, in commercial enterprises or in social institutions.

Italian can be studied at the KU for teaching at secondary school (Gymnasium) in combination with English and is completed with the State Examination. If desired, students of teaching degree programs can also acquire a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree as part of the ‘Lehramt^Plus’ model.

Facilities

For optimal acquisition and consolidation of foreign language skills, the KU Language Center has set up a multimedia center for students. Regular guest lectures, guided visits to cultural events and organized field trips to Italy offer additional opportunities to broaden your linguistic and philological horizons while studying.

A semester abroad in Italy can ideally be completed in the fifth semester. You will gain rich cultural and interpersonal experiences that can be very valuable for your future life and professional career.

The KU Eichstätt has a vast network of partner universities worldwide. In addition, you can spend a self-organized semester abroad at other universities in Italy.

During the teacher training program, there is also the possibility of spending a practical semester abroad at a school within the framework of the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD), a German educational exchange service organization. You can find more information on the PAD website (https://www.kmk-pad.org/).

Partner universities

We maintain Erasmus partnerships with the following universities in Italy:

Bari                      Università degli Studi di Bari

Bologna              Università di Bologna

Bolzano              Libera Università di Bolzano – Freie Universität Bozen  

Catania               Università degli Studi di Catania 

Lecce                  Università del Salento

Milano                 Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Modena / Reggio Emilia        Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia 

Roma                   Libera Università Maria Ss. Assunta

                              Università degli Studi di Roma ‘La Sapienza’

Torino                  Università degli Studi di Torino   

Udine                  Università degli Studi di Udine

Urbino                Università degli Studi di Urbino „Carlo Bo“

Further information on the application process and organization of an ERASMUS semester can be found on the website of the International Office of the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.

Semester abroad in Catania

"If you ever get the travel bug during your studies, the KU has numerous partner universities in Italy where you can spend a semester abroad as part of Erasmus+. I chose an island as my destination, which offers not only sun, beach and the sea, but also a history and culture rich in tradition. In short, I went to Sicily, more precisely to Catania, which is located directly at the foot of Mount Etna and thus has both the highest active volcano in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea right on its doorstep. In addition, Catania also impresses with its beautiful baroque old town.

In addition to the many sightseeing opportunities, Catania also offers a vibrant student life with numerous bars and restaurants. This is also especially thanks to the volunteer student groups AEGEE and ESN, who regularly organize community activities ranging from city tours and karaoke evenings to a cooking class where you learn how to make Arancini, the famous Sicilian rice balls, yourself. Other field trips offer an ideal opportunity to explore the most beautiful places on the island together with other students from all over the world. After having spent my semester abroad there, all I can say is that Sicily is certainly not short of gorgeous places."

Written by: Luise Hutzler, teaching degree program for English/Italian

The teaching degree program also includes practical elements that are accompanied by didactic courses at the University. Some of these can be completed abroad; the International Internship Service provides information on suitable programs and scholarships.

Career prospects

In the course of your studies, you will acquire a differentiated knowledge of the Italian language and literature as well as practical skills in spoken and written Italian. In addition, you will develop a critical and structured way of thinking in dealing with texts as well as the ability to dialog with Italian-speaking cultural spheres in the globalized world.

After completing your program in Italian Studies, you will have access to a broad range of professional fields. In addition to the teaching profession or an academic career, your acquired knowledge will also qualify you for work in the media and journalism. Possible fields of activity include political organizations, press and public relations, cultural institutions, the library and publishing industry, language teaching and adult education.