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Grace Gillett

Clemson University '26
B.A. Language and International Business 

Coursework

Majoring in Italian and International Business, I have had the unique opportunity to acquire knowledge across a wide variety of interdisciplinary subjects including both domestic and global business, cultural studies, the Italian foreign language, and literature. Below you will find some of the most important courses I took during my time at Clemson and samples of coursework that display my competency across these key areas.

Language-Oriented Instruction

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ITAL 1010 – Elementary Italian
 Introduced foundational Italian vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversational skills while developing an understanding of everyday Italian language and culture.


ITAL 1020 – Elementary Italian
 Expanded foundational Italian proficiency through more complex grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and conversation, with continued emphasis on cultural understanding.


ITAL 2010 – Intermediate Italian
 Strengthened intermediate-level communication skills through more advanced grammatical structures, expanded vocabulary, authentic texts, and increased conversational practice.


ITAL 2020 – Intermediate Italian
 Further developed Italian fluency and comprehension through sustained speaking, writing, reading, and listening while deepening knowledge of Italian culture and society.

 

ITAL 3050 – Italian Conversation and Composition
Developed greater fluency and confidence in spoken and written Italian through advanced conversation, composition, vocabulary development, and grammatical refinement.

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ITAL 403 – Emerging Competent Abroad
Developed intercultural competence through reflection on experiences abroad, emphasizing cultural adaptation, communication across cultures, and greater awareness of cultural perspectives and behaviors.

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Culture and Literature Courses

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ITAL 3020 – Modern Italian Literature
Examined modern Italian literature as a reflection of Italy’s cultural, historical, and social development while strengthening literary analysis and advanced Italian reading skills.

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ITAL 3160 – Italian for International Business I
Introduced Italian business language and professional communication while examining business practices, terminology, and cultural expectations within an Italian professional environment.

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ITAL 4160 – Italian for International Business II
Advanced professional Italian proficiency through higher-level business communication and analysis of Italian and international business practices, emphasizing effective intercultural communication.

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IT 370 – Italian Culture and Cuisine
Explored Italian culture through food and culinary traditions, examining how cuisine reflects regional identity, history, social practices, and broader cultural values.

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ITAL 4550 – Italian Film
Examined Italian cinema as a lens for understanding the country’s history, society, politics, and cultural identity while developing skills in film and cultural analysis.

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LT 340 – Tourists, Soldiers, Expats, Spies
Explored representations of international travel and cross-cultural encounters in literature and culture, considering how identities and perceptions are shaped through experiences abroad.

Business Courses

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MKT 3020 – Consumer Behavior (HON)
Examined the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence consumer decisions and learned to apply consumer insights to marketing strategy.

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ACCT 2010 – Financial Accounting Concepts
Developed foundational knowledge of financial accounting, including financial statements, transactions, reporting practices, and the use of accounting information in business decision-making.

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PCID 3040 – Business Communications and Information Design
Developed professional communication skills with an emphasis on creating clear, persuasive, audience-centered business documents and effectively presenting complex information.

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IB 343 – Business Ethics in an Intercultural Framework
Examined ethical decision-making in international business while considering how cultural values, social norms, and differing perspectives shape ethical challenges across global contexts.

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MKT 4270 – International Marketing
Applied marketing principles to global markets, examining how cultural, economic, political, and competitive differences influence international marketing strategies and consumer behavior.

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MGT 3030 – Global Business
Explored the opportunities and challenges organizations encounter when operating internationally, including globalization, cross-cultural management, international strategy, and global business environments.

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ECON 3100 – International Economics
Examined international trade and economic relationships among countries, including trade theory, policy, exchange rates, and the economic effects of global integration.

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MGT 3180 – Management of Information Systems
Explored how organizations use information systems, data, and technology to support operations, managerial decision-making, competitive strategy, and organizational performance.

Samples of Course Work

Business oriented samples:

Language oriented samples:

This collaborative project evaluates Brazil as a potential market for IKEA's global expansion. Through research into economic conditions, consumer behavior, cultural differences, and logistical challenges, my team developed a strategic recommendation for entering the Brazilian market. This project demonstrates my ability to apply international business concepts, conduct market research, and develop practical business recommendations.

This research paper examines the economic impact of organized crime on Italy's business environment and long-term development. Through an analysis of market competition, corruption, regional inequality, and anti-mafia initiatives, I explored how criminal organizations influence both local businesses and the broader Italian economy. This project demonstrates my Italian language proficiency and my ability to apply international business and economic concepts to complex cultural and societal issues.

This honors research project investigates how individual differences in reward and punishment sensitivity influence consumer purchasing decisions, specifically regarding mystery or "blind box" products. Using survey data from 294 participants, my research partner and I explored the relationship between personality traits, risk perception, and purchase intentions. This project highlights my experience with consumer psychology, quantitative research, and data-driven marketing analysis.

This short essay, written entirely in Italian, explores the development of Italian-American cuisine and how immigration shaped traditional Italian food in the United States. By examining changes in ingredients, cultural influences, and popular dishes, this piece demonstrates my Italian language proficiency while reflecting my interest in the relationship between language, culture, and history.

Culture/Literature oriented samples:

This research paper explores the evolving role of women in Hinduism, examining the influence of religious traditions, historical practices, and modern social reform movements. Through an analysis of gender inequality, legal developments, and women's empowerment, this collaborative project strengthened my ability to critically examine complex cultural and social issues through academic research.

This literary analysis explores the relationship between gender, sexuality, and American identity through three works set in Italy: Daisy Miller, The Gallery, and The Talented Mr. Ripley. By examining how cultural expectations, social class, and power dynamics shape the experiences of Americans abroad, I investigated the complexities of identity across different historical periods. This paper highlights my ability to conduct comparative literary analysis, engage with scholarly research, and critically examine the intersection of culture, gender, and identity.

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