1. THE FIELD OF STUDY

An Italianist is someone who has an appreciation and understanding of Italian culture in all its manifestations. Individuals who study Italian, as with any other foreign language, perfect skills that enable them to express their thoughts and ideas with clarity, and in turn to understand and interpret the thoughts and ideas of others. In our increasingly cosmopolitan and internationally oriented society, Italian is an invaluable asset for many professions and careers. Of course, some study Italian simply because of its cultural and aesthetic values. One may wish, for example, to read the works of great writers like Dante in the original, or understand Italian opera, or another aspect of Italian culture or society. Whatever one's particular interests, learning Italian involves approaching a new world and leads to a widening of intellectual experience in a global context.

2. THE PROGRAM

The University of Arizona offers a four-year program in ITALIAN for the Liberal Arts major wishing to specialize either in the language and literature or the cultural traditions of the Italian people. The program consists of two degree options, one that combines mastery of oral and written language skills with an emphasis on Italian literature and one that concentrates on Italian culture, with advanced courses offered in English.

The program is open to all students, regardless of their degree of interest.

Those interested in total participation can MAJOR in Italian. Those interested in fields relating to foreign cultures will find Italian a useful and desirable DOUBLE MAJOR. Finally, those wishing to study Italian in a less intensive but significant way may consider a MINOR in Italian.

Courses in Italian language, literature, and culture, as well as related disciplines in the humanities, are also available through the Arizona Program in Florence, Italy. This program offers the advantage of studying Italian in the country of its origin, under both native and American professors, in one of the centers of Italian and Western culture.

3. OPTIONS WITHIN THE MAJOR

The Department offers two options for the degree in Italian. Students choosing "Italian Language and Literature" are required to take four upper-division courses in Italian, and are asked to do as much of their work as possible in Italian. Students choosing "Italian Studies," an interdisciplinary program focusing on the culture of Italy from antiquity to the present, may take all upper-division courses in English. Once basic requirements are met, all courses count toward either option.

4. PREPARATION

To be successful in this field, potential students should have an interest in Italian language, literature, and culture. Both major options require a foundation of language courses through the fourth semester.

5. HONORS OPPORTUNITIES

With prior approval, students may do honors work in any upper-division course offered by the Department.

6. RESEARCH/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Undergraduate students may sign up for internship credit which, under supervision of a faculty member, allows for individualized research projects.

7. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Proficiency in Italian is a marketable skill which, by itself or coupled with another skill, can open doors to diverse career opportunities.

American companies with branches in Italy are in need of executive and managerial staff with knowledge of Italian, for both their home and foreign offices. The growth in international business, industry, tourism, transportation, law, banking, and other financial activities has been accompanied by an increasing need in all areas for foreign language as an adjunct skill.

The Foreign Service, which represents the diplomatic, consular, commercial, and overseas cultural and information missions of the United States, requires professional competency in at least one foreign language. Placement in the Foreign Service is in one of three areas: the Department of State (involving work in administration, consular, economic or political affairs), the United States Information Agency (dealing in overseas information and cultural programs), and the Department of Commerce (handling commercial enterprises on the part of the government, business representatives, and private individuals concerned with trade).

As with any degree in the liberal arts (but with the advantage of knowing a foreign language, a valuable and practical asset), opportunities exist for professional service in fields as varied as journalism, library science, the arts (from music to painting to architecture), radio, television, film, fashion, publishing (particularly those firms that market their books abroad or deal in foreign language texts), business, and government. Students who study Italian are also prepared for graduate or professional school, or for advanced study in Italian, with the goal of teaching at the college or university level.

No matter what your interests may be, fluency in one or more foreign languages can multiply your career options dramatically.

8. SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified and eligible University of Arizona students. Scholarships are competitive and applications should be submitted early. For more information contact the Office of Student Financial Aid, Phone: (520) 621-1858.