Programs in Italian language and literature teach people the spoken and written traditions of Italy. Students learn how Italian words began and the language developed. They study Italian and its dialects. They also learn how to apply the knowledge to business and technology.

Italy is famous for its opera, good food and wine, wonderful weather for growing grapes, and culturally rich cities such as Naples, Florence, and Rome. Rome, in turn, is famous for both its ancient history and Vatican City - the central government of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican City is an independent, sovereign state within Italy. Its library is open to scholars who read and do research in Latin and other ancient languages.

Italy has also produced famous works of literature, film, and art. One of the greatest filmmakers of all time is Federico Fellini, who wrote and directed nearly 50 films. These include "La Dolce Vita," "La Strada," and "8." The 14th century writer Dante is perhaps Italy's greatest literary figure, and also regarded as the writer of some of the world's best literature. His works include "The Divine Comedy" which includes the piece most people are familiar with, "The Inferno." Another famous 14th century humanist and poet is Francesco Petrarca, more commonly known as Petrarch. He was famous for his love sonnets about a woman named Laura as well as his epic, "Africa." His letters and essays are also widely read and studied today. And of course, in the art world, Italy is famous for such artists as Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

In Italian language and literature programs, you study just what the name implies – language and literature. You take courses from different fields of study, such as art, anthropology, and history. You learn about Italian culture and history, from the influence of the Roman empire to the birth of the Renaissance in Florence to modern times.

Most importantly, you learn to speak Italian. You also learn how to read and write the language. Many courses also teach you translation techniques. In addition, you read original, untranslated works of literature, including poems, essays, epics, and novels. You also study folklore and film.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Italian language and literature. Some two-year colleges offer the first two years of study. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school. Master's degrees typically take five or six years of full-time study after high school. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree. Most people with graduate degrees become professors.

Students who major in Italian language and literature may be able to choose concentrations such as:

• Conversation
• Dialects
• Folklore
• Interpreting
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Specific Language Groups
• Teaching
• Translation