ITA 101 is designed to introduce true beginners to the Italian language. The primary focus of the course is to provide you with a basic knowledge of Italian through the extensive practice of the four fundamental skills in language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Attention is also given to the fifth language skill- cultural awareness. Through a communicative approach and through the use of the Italian language, students will learn the fundamental grammatical workings of the Italian language and apply their knowledge of such concepts in both spoken and written exercises. Integrated throughout the course, are lessons and readings linked to the daily activities and basic aspects of the Italian culture, which vary from region to region.

ITA 102 is the second semester of beginner Italian. The primary focus of the course is to expand basic knowledge of the Italian language and enable an elementary foundation of the Italian language. There will be extensive practice of the four fundamental skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Increased attention is also given to the fifth skill of cultural awareness. Through a communicative approach and an exclusive use of the Italian language, students will learn the fundamental grammatical workings of the Italian language and apply their knowledge of such concepts in both spoken and written exercises. Integrated throughout the course, are lessons and readings linked to the daily activities and basic aspects of Italian culture, which vary from region to region.

Travel to Italy is a beginner level course of the Italian language that journeys through the twenty regions of Italy and its major tourist attractions. The course begins with a focus of the Northern most regions that border the countries of France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The course then visits the regions of Central and Southern Italy with a particular focus of the island culture of the Amalfi, Sardegna and Sicily. The course also explores the connections between climate, neighboring countries, and geographical formations and regional dialects, folkloric traditions and cuisine. Instruction of vocabulary and beginner level concepts ultimately prepare students for traveling to the country. ITA 121 is an ideal course for students planning to travel to Italy for personal or professional reasons.

ITA 122 is a beginner level course of the Italian language and culinary journey of Italy's vast cuisine. Beginner level concepts are accompanied by lessons and readings that explore Italy's rich diversity of traditions and cultural practices linked to food that vary significantly from region to region. Additionally, the course will explore the variations of authentic Italian cuisine in the U.S. and debunk certain commonly held beliefs among Americans regarding the Italian cuisine. Course includes food demonstrations on how to make certain Italian specialties, often noted as an art form, and occasional field trips to local Italian grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants. Level is beginner and no prior knowledge of the Italian language is required.

Italian 201 is an intermediate-level integrated skills language course that will expand on the language skills mastered in Italian 101 and 102. The course begins with a quick review of the salient points of beginner Italian before it introduces you to the intermediate level material. This course will enhance your proficiency in the Italian language and acquire an intermediate-level foundation in the language. There will be extensive practice of the four fundamental skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as extensive instruction on culture. Through a communicative approach and the exclusive use of Italian, students will learn more complex grammatical structures of the Italian language and apply their knowledge of such concepts in both spoken and written exercises. Integrated throughout the course, are lessons and readings linked to the daily activities and basic aspects of the Italian culture, which vary from region to region.

Italian 202 is an intermediate-level integrated skills language course and continuation of Italian 201. This course furthers a student's proficiency in the Italian language and acquisition of an intermediate-level foundation in the language. There will be extensive practice of the four fundamental skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as extensive instruction on culture. Through a communicative approach and the exclusive use of Italian, students will learn increasingly more complex grammatical structures of the Italian language and apply their knowledge of such concepts in both spoken and written exercises. Integrated throughout the course, are lessons and readings linked to the daily activities and basic aspects of the Italian culture, which vary from region to region.

This course explores Italian culture through a variety of contemporary topics. The course will include units on fashion, sports, music and entertainment. ITA 221 also dedicates a portion of the class to the discussion of language and the presence of the Italian culture and life in the media. Throughout the course, students will have ample opportunities to practice and develop conversational skills as well as further develop critical thinking in the form of regular written assignments and independent research.

Study Abroad Special Topics

Study Abroad Special Topics

This course gives students the opportunity to gain more exposure to and practice of the Italian language and culture in a professional setting that is in keeping with their own educational and vocational goals. Students will apply their skills in the written and oral forms of communication in a research or community internship placement that might include local nonprofit organizations, health clinics, or art galleries. Through agreement among the instructor/internship coordinator, the student, and the internship supervisor, the student will participate in an internship(s) for a minimum of 150 hours for the semester (approximately 10 hours per week).