Course Offerings
For the list of currently offered courses click here.Course Descriptions
(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students
ITAL 10a Beginning Italian
Students who have previously studied Italian must obtain permission of the instructor before enrolling.
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.
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
Prerequisite: ITAL 20b or the equivalent.
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 includes written exercises and short compositions. Usually offered every fall.
Staff
ITAL 97a Senior Essay
Students should consult the undergraduate advising head before enrolling. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed ITAL 97b.
Offers students an opportunity to produce a senior essay under the direction of an individual instructor. Usually offered every fall.
Staff
ITAL 97b Senior Essay
Students should consult the undergraduate advising head before enrolling. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed ITAL 97a.
Offers students an opportunity to produce a senior essay under the direction of an individual instructor. Usually offered every spring.
Staff
ITAL 98a Independent Study
May be taken only with the written permission of the advising head and the chair of the department.
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.
Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every year.
Staff
ITAL 99d Senior Thesis
Students should consult the undergraduate advising head before enrolling.
Usually offered every year.
Staff
(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students
IECS 135a Shifting Grounds: Social Change in Italian Fiction and Film
Open to all students. Conducted in English with readings in English translation.
Charts various aspects of social change in Italian society and culture through close readings and discussions of literary and cinematic texts by Manzoni, Verga, Pirandello, Silone, Morante, Calvino, Rossellini, de Sica, Fellini, Pasolini, and Bertolucci, among others. Usually offered every third year.
Mr. Mandrell
IECS 140a Dante's Divine Comedy
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 World Government. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Lansing
ITAL 105a Italian Conversation and Composition
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 every second year.
Ms. Servino
ITAL 106a Advanced Readings in Italian
Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.
Close study and analysis of representative works of Italian literature (prose, poetry, drama) and culture (art, history, music, cinema, politics) designed to enhance the student's reading skills. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Lansing
ITAL 110a Introduction to Italian Literature
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 every second year.
Mr. Lansing
ITAL 120b Modern Italian Literature
Prerequisite: ITAL 30a or the equivalent.
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 every second year.
Mr. Lansing
Electives
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 60a
Baroque in Italy and Spain
HIST 123a
The Renaissance
HIST 139b
Fascism East and West
HIST 170a
Italian Films, Italian Histories
IECS 135a
Shifting Grounds: Social Change in Italian Fiction and Film
IECS 140a
Dante's Divine Comedy
MUS 52a
Opera
NEJS 151b
Ghettos, Gondolas, and Gelato: The Italian Jewish Experience