Italian

  • Italian

Italian

Italian Course Descriptions

ITAL 04.100 – 3 s.h.
Masterpieces of Italian Literature in English Translation
This course introduces students to Italian literature in English translation. Using readings from a range of literary genres and authors, (from Dante to Machiavelli, from Calvino to current bestsellers), students acquire knowledge of the basic critical terms necessary for the discussion and analysis of narrative works, poetry and theatrical texts. Through close reading of such works, students develop an appreciation of the cultural and sociopolitical forces that inform Italian civilization. The course is taught in English and has no prerequisite.
 
ITAL 04.101 – 3 s.h.
Elementary Italian I
(Offered during both Fall and Spring semesters)
This introductory course is open to students who have not previously studied Italian. This course studies Italian language structures and patterns and offers practice in articulating these patterns. It also gives some attention to other language skills, such as listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing.
 
ITAL 04.102 – 3 s.h.
Elementary Italian II
(Prerequisite: ITAL 04.101, minimum grade of C-; or waiver) (Offered during Spring semesters and also during Summer sessions, depending on student demand) (Continuation of Elementary Italian I)
This course focuses on the students' continued development of communicative competence in Italian with emphasis on the four skill areas of speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension.
 
ITAL 04.140 - 3 s.h.
Italian Topics in English
This course, taught in English, brings new perspectives and themes to the established World Languages curriculum, pertaining to the Italian language, aspects of Italian culture, and Italian literature in English translation. The particular course topic offered may vary, depending on the scholarly interests of the faculty member as well as student interest and demand.
 
ITAL 04.150 - 3 s.h.
Italian Food & Culture
(Taught in English, no pre-requisite)
This course examines how the development of the Italian culinary tradition and the variety of Italian eating habits mirror the historical and economic changes that occurred in Italian society over the centuries. We will embark on a journey across time, social classes, and geographical regions, exploring how staples of Italian cuisine, such as pizza and pasta, are really the result of a long, transnational encounter of different cultures on Italian soil. At the same time, the course analyzes the representation of Italian food in many forms of art (from Renaissance paintings to Italian literary works and films), to better understand how food became such an important defining element of “Italianness” and “Italicity” in the common imaginary. While the core of the syllabus centers on Italian culture and society, we will also look at it transnationally. In particular, we will dedicate a portion of the course to the Italian American interpretation of Italian cuisine, as well as to the business of Italian food in the U.S. market.
 
ITAL 04.160
Italian American Heritage in Popular Culture
(Taught in English, no pre-requisite)
This course explores the rich and complex experiences of Italian Americans in the United States. The course provides an overview of Italian migration to the United States, including the various regions of Italy that contributed to the wave of Italian migration and the challenges that Italian immigrants faced upon arrival in the United States. Students will examine the presence of Italian American heritage in popular culture, including music, religion, food, and sports, as well as media representations of Italian Americans, exploring how these portrayals have evolved over time. Throughout the course, students will not only learn about the origins of the Italian American community, but also how to reflect critically on stereotypes surrounding this community. 
 
ITAL 04.201 – 3 s.h.
Intermediate Italian I
(Prerequisite: ITAL 04.102, minimum grade of C-; or waiver) (Offered during Fall semesters)
This course is open to students who have had some limited contact with the Italian language. It surveys grammar and language patterns and offers expanded practice particularly in speaking and reading in the language.
 
ITAL 04.211 – 3 s.h.
Intermediate Italian II
(Prerequisite: ITAL 04.201, minimum grade of C-; or waiver) (Offered during Spring semesters)
This course is open to students who have had some limited contact with the Italian language. It surveys grammar and language patterns and offers expanded practice particularly in speaking and reading in the language.
 
ITAL 04.212 – 3 s.h.
Italian Reading and Composition
(Prerequisite: ITAL 04.211, minimum grade of C-; or waiver)
In this course, students will enhance their competencies in Italian language, with particular emphases on reading and writing skills. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of texts from different genres, (informative, journalistic, literary, and academic), and will engage in both formal and informal, creative and academic writing.
 
ITAL 04.320 – 3 s.h.
Italian Civilization and Culture
(Prerequisite: ITAL 04.212, minimum grade of C-)
This course aims to provide students with a more profound insight into the varied aspects of contemporary Italy, its civilization and culture. Students will also gain a better understanding of the current dynamics in Italian society and will be able to identify the main contributions of Italian culture to Western civilization. Moreover, students will further refine their linguistic competencies, as they study and discuss cultural topics in Italian.
 
ITAL 04.440 - 3 s.h.
Special Topics in World Languages
This course brings new perspectives and themes to the established World Languages curriculum by expanding options for upper-level electives in Italian. The particular course topic offered may vary, depending on the scholarly interests of the faculty member as well as student interest and demand.