Have you ever wondered how the Italian language evolved from the various Italian dialects (which were themselves derived from Latin and Greek)? This course will discuss the various languages that existed prior to the creation of standard Italian. The various dialects that are still in existence to this day will be discussed including the particular dialect that was chosen as the official Italian language. We will also discuss the various cultures that prevailed at the time and the separate (but related) unification of the Italian state from the various dukedoms and kingdoms that existed in the 1800s.