The program has allowed thousands of students to hone their language skills while helping their peers and gaining pedagogical confidence. The elementary language sequence consists of professor-led classes enhanced by additional small-group practice sessions known as "drill."
Department of French and Italian Studies
"Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things." - Flora Lewis
About
Dartmouth is nationally recognized as an outstanding college at which to study language and literature. The Department of French and Italian Studies has traditionally taken a lead in efforts to initiate students to other cultures. We are one of the largest foreign literature departments relative to undergraduate population in the United States.
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2/12/2026
The Department of French and Italian is a strong presence in the Humanities that is committed to engaging students throughout their college careers (and beyond!). Some of the department's students choose to major in language and literature; many others connect their study of French with courses in government, economics, history or the arts.
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2/12/2026
Discover our Italian courses featuring innovative pedagogy, engaging experiential activities, and a deep sense of community. Embark on a learning journey that's not just about acquiring words and grammar. No matter your future career direction, Italian will enrich your experience with newly developed soft skills, intercultural sensitivity, and a global perspective.
