Italian Studies is an interdisciplinary program aimed at imparting an understanding of Italian culture and competence in the Italian language. The Director of the Italian Studies Program is advised by a committee formed by the chairs or representatives of the departments that offer upper division electives for Italian Studies. Meetings of the advisory committee are called by the Director of Italian Studies as needed. The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Italian Studies includes one semester of participation in the Gonzaga-in-Florence program or comparable experience in Italy and a senior project. Italian Studies majors are required to take an upper division course in Italian during their fourth year regardless of credits earned.