Italian Language and Literature
Overview
Programs in Italian language and literature teach people the spoken and written traditions of Italy.Italian language and literature programs include topics such as:
- Reading, writing, and speaking Italian
- Italian culture and society
- Art
- Anthropology
- History
- Literature and poetry
- Folklore and film
- Translation techniques
- Dialects
- Linguistics
Concentrations
In Italian language and literature, students may be able to specialize in:
- Conversation
- Interpreting
- Literature
- Teaching
Schools
Community colleges offer associate degree programs in Italian language and literature. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in Italian language and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in Italian language and literature. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Ancient Civilizations
- Humanities
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Second Language
- Western Civilization
- World Area Studies
- World Geography
- World History
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand Italian at an advanced level.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Applied Phonetics
- Civilization and Cultural History
- Conversation and Composition
- Linguistics
- Literary Studies
- Literature, Folklore, and Film
- Reading Skills
- Translation
- Study in the Italian language or its dialects (beginning, intermediate, advanced)
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in Italian language and literature typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Students who major in Italian language and literature may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, and studying abroad. Most programs coordinate semester abroad or work internships. In most cases, you can participate in these after you have completed at least two years of language study.
Colleges that do not have complete programs in Italian language and literature may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Italian Studies
Tacoma Area
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
- World Languages--Western European Language or Area Study Pre-Major
West Side Area
Grays Harbor College
- Foreign Languages Pre-Major