Welcome to the Italian Program!

The Italian program at the University of Tennessee provides students with an overall view of Italian culture, economy, history, and society. Courses on conversation and composition as well as on Dante, Machiavelli, Italian Opera, women in literature, Italian cinema, etc. expose students to Italy’s cultural treasures and current affairs. Italian studies are tailored for students interested in art, literature, music, politics, and Italian business. The major is particularly appealing to students who love to learn and experience other cultures, speak other languages, travel, and wish to work for American companies doing business in or with Italy.

Italian majors, especially those with a concentration on Language and World Business, have a great opportunity to find a job with a U.S. or an Italian company either stateside or in Italy. Students who take advantage of our study abroad programs increase their career opportunities, since most companies prefer employees with the resourcefulness normally associated with life abroad.

Besides our course offerings, the Italian program involves students in activities, such as the Italian Table, the Italian Cinema Series, culinary evenings, the Festa Italiana, immersion weekends, and the Urbino Summer Program..

Why study Italian?

A knowledge of Italian is important for people in the arts, technology, business and many professions. It is also useful for students planning careers in art history, music, linguistics, education and international relations.
Italian is the fourth language most spoken in US homes, according to the US Census Bureau. It is also spoken in Switzerland, parts of Africa, the Balkans, and the island of Malta.
Italy is world leader in the culinary arts, interior design, fashion, graphic design, furniture design, etc. Those planning careers in these fields benefit greatly from knowing Italian.
Art historians need Italian. Italy is filled with the world's greatest art treasures.
Italy has long been a magnet for the tourism industry: millions and millions of people visit Italy every year.

Ready for the World: Studying Abroad
“Ready for the World” encourages students to study abroad. Our faculty cooperates with the Programs Abroad Office to offer study abroad programs in Italy. 1st year Italian students should consider fulfilling the 2nd year Italian requirement (Italian 211 and 212) during the five-week program held each summer in Urbino, Italy. Scholarships are available to assist students with the cost of studying abroad.

What can I do with an Italian major?

The Italian major consists of 30 credit-hours in courses numbered above 200 in one of two concentrations (Literature or Italian Studies). An Italian major is also offered through the Language and World Business program.
The Italian minor consists of 18 credit-hours in courses numbered above 200.