Upcoming Italian Studies Courses

Fall 2023

ITAL 121 – Intensive Elementary Italian with Drill

M-T-W-R 10:30-11:45; (4:30-5:20 Drill)

M-T-W-R 12:00-1:15; (4:30-5:20 (Drill)

Introduction to Italian language and culture; development of skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

ITAL 221 – Intensive Intermediate Italian with Drill

M-T-W-R 10:30-11:45 (4:30-5:20 Drill)

Active reinforcement and practice of listening, speaking, reading and writing, within contemporary cultural contexts.

ITAL 301 – Italian Conversation through Cinema

M-W 1:30-2:45

Prerequisite:  ITAL 221

Explore Italian language and culture through the art of cinema. This course will combine conversation and composition exercises with the analysis of contemporary Italian films. Students will sharpen their Italian language skills by engaging in group discussions and writing assignments related to the themes, characters, and cultural references of the films. We will explore a range of themes, including love and interpersonal dynamics, family, religion, politics, immigration, the mafia, and mental health to deepen our understanding of Italian language, culture, and society. By the end of the course, students will have improved their ability to express themselves in Italian and gained a deeper appreciation of Italian cinema. 

ITAL 305 – Writing in Italian Culture & Literature

T-R 12:00-1:15

Prerequisite: ITAL 221  

Spoken and written communication in Italian based on reading and discussion of selected masterworks in Italian literature and culture across the centuries. Exploring selected visual and written works about a variety of topics, including love, politics, Italian identity, intellect, leadership, spirituality, architecture, and style, students will master the nuances of communicating in speech and writing by composing and presenting summaries, paraphrases, analyses, and interpretations of Italian literary and artistic masterpieces. Students will also develop critical language skills to express opinions, engage in debates, and deliver persuasive arguments. Students will begin the course by reviewing intermediate Italian grammar and syntax, including tense and modal agreement, while refining their ability to listen and engage spontaneously with the spoken language. By the end of the course, they will have developed the capacity to read, write, and speak about any given topic in advanced-level Italian courses.