The titles of periodicals, such as newspapers, journals, and magazines, require italics when used in typed papers. The exception to this rule is articles, such as the and an, at the beginning of the titles. Even if the article is part of the title, it does not require italics.
Use italics when emphasizing artwork, such as paintings and sculptures. All of the words in the titles of plays, musicals, television shows and movies are italicized, unlike periodicals. Compact discs and albums require italics in writing. Acts of plays, songs and television episodes are indicated by quotation marks. The Bible and other traditional religious books are not italicized.
Long works of literature are indicated by italics. Italics indicate pamphlets, novels, anthologies, epics, and books in typed work. Titles such as short stories, poems, chapter titles, and essays are indicated by quotation marks.
Double check style manuals, such as MLA and APA, to determine how italics are used when writing in these styles. In academic writing, it is important to use italics unless the instructor prefers the use of underlining.