The program in Italian studies is designed for all students who wish to extend their study of Italian language and literature and complement it with courses in history, fine arts, and music. It offers a coherent course of study, interdisciplinary in character, in which each participant is guided by an Italian studies advisor. Satisfactory completion of the program in Italian Studies, while not a field of concentration, is noted on the official transcript.

Committee

Richard Lansing, Chair and Undergraduate Advising Head
(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Lynette Bosch
(Fine Arts)

Alice Kelikian
(History)

Charles McClendon
(Fine Arts)

Jessie Ann Owens
(Music)

Benjamin Ravid
(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Paola Servino
(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Requirements for the Program

A. ITAL 105a

B. ITAL 110a

C. One additional course in Italian literature (120b, 140a).

D. Any two of the following courses:

FA 45a St. Peter's and the Vatican

FA 51a Art of the Early Renaissance in Italy

FA 58b High and Late Renaissance in Italy

FA 197b Methods and Approaches in the History of Art: Leonardo da Vinci

HIST 138b Industrialization and Social Change: 1900 to the Present*

HIST 139a Women, Work, and Family*

HIST 139b Fascism East and West*

HIST 176b Modern Italy 1848-1990

NEJS 151b Merchants, Moneylenders, and Ghetti of Venice


*Other courses may be acceptable, with the explicit permission of the program advisor.

Courses Descriptions

ITAL 10a Beginning Italian

Enrollment limited to 18 per section.

For students who have had no previous study of Italian. A systematic presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Italian culture, with focus on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Usually offered every year.

Staff

ITAL 20b Continuing Italian

Prerequisite: ITAL 10a or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 18 per section.

For students with some previous study of Italian. Continuing presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Italian culture, and practice of the four language skills. Special attention to reading and writing skills, as well as guided conversation. Usually offered every year.

Staff

ITAL 30a Intermediate Italian

[ fl ]

Prerequisite: ITAL 20b or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 18 per section.

Readings in contemporary Italian short stories, newspaper, and journal articles and short essays of cultural interest will be supplemented by video presentations (opera, film, "filmati," and "telegiornale" from RAI) designed to enhance oral comprehension. Typical themes include social conflicts (Fascism, the problem of the "Mezzogiorno") and cultural phenomena (feminism, art, geography). Review of grammar, written exercises, and short compositions. Offered every fall.

Ms. Servino

ITAL 98a Independent Study

May be taken only with the written permission of the advising head and the chair of the department. Signatures of the instructor and the chair of the department required.

Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every year.

Staff

ITAL 98b Independent Study

May be taken only with the written permission of the advising head and the chair of the department. Signatures of the instructor and the chair of the department required.

Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every year.

Staff

ITAL 105a Italian Conversation and Composition

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.

Provides students with an opportunity to develop their oral and written proficiency in Italian, while familiarizing themselves with different facets of contemporary Italian culture and society. Readings will be supplemented by films and recordings. Usually offered in even years.

Ms. Servino

ITAL 106a Advanced Readings in Italian

(Formerly ITAL 14b)

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 18. This course may not be repeated for credit by students who have taken ITAL 14b in previous years.

Close study and analysis of representative works of Italian literature (prose, poetry, drama) and culture (art, history, music, cinema, politics). Three hours per week. Usually offered every year.

Mr. Lansing

ITAL 110a Introduction to Italian Literature

[ hum ]

Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.

Surveys the masterpieces of Italian literature from Dante to the present. It is designed to introduce the student to the major authors and literary periods, styles, and genres and present an overview of the history of the literature. Conducted in Italian. Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Lansing

ITAL 120b Modern Italian Literature

[ hum ]

Analysis of major works by Svevo, Pirandello, Moravia, Silone, Lampedusa, Pavese, Primo Levi, Montale, and Vittorini with respect to the political, economic, and social problems of post-Risorgimento Italy. Conducted in Italian. Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Lansing

ITAL 140a Dante's Divine Comedy

[ cl³⁹ hum ]

Open to all students. Conducted in English with readings in English translation.

A close study of the entire poem--Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso--as a symbolic vision of reality reflecting the culture and thought--political, philosophical, theological--of the Middle Ages. Readings will include two minor works, the Vita Nuova and On Monarchy. Usually offered in even years.

Mr. Lansing


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