Objectives
The Master's Degree Program in Linguistic, Literary and Translation Studies aims to train graduates who are specialists in the field of modern languages and literature of Europe and the Americas. Through the acquisition of skills in a wide range of humanities disciplines, graduates will be able to work in positions of high responsibility in various cultural fields.
The program involves the study of two languages, one of which is a specialization language with a higher number of credits; the second language is assigned a sufficient number of credits to deepen the skills acquired during the three-year program. With appropriate guidance, students can pursue courses in three qualifying areas: philological-hermeneutic, literary, metalinguistic and intercultural research; translation (literary, non-fiction, technical-scientific); foreign language teaching. In addition, it is possible to add a further language of study by drawing on freely chosen credits or extracurricular exams (pursuant to Article 6 of Royal Decree No. 1269/38).
In particular, graduates in Linguistic, Literary and Translation Studies will acquire in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of at least one European or American foreign language, also considering its diachronic aspect. At the same time, they will develop a solid knowledge of at least one European or American foreign literature, as well as adequate knowledge of the formation and evolution of literary systems and the main critical trends in comparative literature. They will master methods and tools for linguistic-philological analysis, addressing issues related to the interpretation, transmission, reception and transformation, including intersemiotic, of texts.
They will refine the theoretical tools for the metalinguistic analysis of the languages studied, also with a view to their application in literary analysis, translation and teaching. The program also guarantees the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the field of Italian linguistics and literature, as well as in historical, artistic, classical, sociological-communicative, demo-ethno-anthropological, philosophical and geographical disciplines.
The first year of the program includes courses in linguistics and literature, accompanied by practical language exercises with native speakers; courses in Italian studies and methodology (philology, linguistics, language teaching, translation theory, etc.). In the second year, students refine their knowledge of linguistics in its implications for translation and their knowledge of their chosen literature. As regards related subjects, the first year includes courses in translation, literature and teaching (6 credits); the second year includes courses in art, sociology and communication, history, demography and anthropology, philosophy and geography (6 credits). The two-year programme also includes 12 credits to be chosen freely from among all those offered at Sapienza.
At the end of the program, in addition to Italian, graduates in Linguistic, Literary and Translation Studies will be able to use at least one foreign language fluently, both written and spoken, at a level equal to or higher than CEFR C1 or an equivalent system, including with reference to disciplinary lexicons and the diachronic dimension of the phenomena considered.
In order to facilitate the integration of students into the world of work, internships and training placements are provided, in agreement with public bodies or private companies, in Italy or abroad. The course also organizes conferences and seminars on linguistic, literary, cultural and educational issues relevant to the program. The program concludes with the writing and discussion of a thesis, which may be interdisciplinary, on research topics consistent with the educational objectives of the program, allowing for the assessment of the candidate's original contribution as well as the methodology and scientific skills acquired during the program.
The acquisition of knowledge and skills through the study of core subjects (i.e. foreign languages and literatures, Italian studies, methodology) and related subjects, tailored to individual choices (in the three specializations: philological-literary/metalinguistic; translation; didactic) can lead to further studies in second-level master's programs, PhD programs, postgraduate preparation courses and teaching in schools.