Because at the present time this University offers a Minor in Italian as well as a Major, combined with another language (see Part I above), priority is given to the acquisition of language skills. The Programme is articulated as follows:
- First year limited enrolment courses are designed for students with no knowledge of the language. These courses are devised to familiarize learners with the use of grammar, pronounciation and ordinary language patterns, both oral and written.
- Second year courses are intended to foster verbal interaction and written expression and at the same time increase the fluency of the language by concentrating on grammar, readings and dictations. Emphasis is placed on the speaking patterns and written structures as well as on composition and conversation. In order to ensure a firmer command of the language, articles of socio-cultural interest, newspapers, short stories and films are made available to students wanting to accelerate their learning ability.
- Third and forth year students have various options ranging from courses in advanced grammar and composition to programmes dealing with literature, conversational Italian and aspects of Italian culture and civilization. Audio-visual material, selected readings and group discussions will enable learners to better understand the makings of contemporary Italy, while the fundamentals of Italian lexicon and syntax, together with specific points of interests, are reexamined from new perspectives.
- "Letture guidate" or Directed Readings are special programmes intended to offer courses in Italian that are otherwise unavailable. The purpose of these Independent Studies is to give students the opportunity to measure their competence through the exploration of specific topics reflecting socio-cultural trends in contemporary Italy. The use of novels, audiobooks, recorded dialogues, songs as well as a vast selection of Italian feature films in the original version, but with English subtitles, complement the more traditional ways in which a language can be learned.
For complete details, view the Italian Studies section of the academic calendar.
