The Major in Italian Language provides a base of knowledge and skills that will serve as a foundation for further study and/or pursuit of a career. The major prepares students to pursue an undergraduate major in Italian. Majors will develop proficiency in the four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. They will comprehend authentic written materials at the intermediate or advanced level, and they will be able to compose short texts with appropriate use of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Majors will also show cultural awareness, including an understanding of the regional, national and ethnic diversity of the areas in which the language is spoken.