Italian language is taught at SACI in a dynamic way with extra emphasis on cultural and linguistic exchange. The series of courses at all levels (including two levels of Beginning Italian) are thorough and intensive and involve the student in acquiring a wide vocabulary while learning the concepts of grammar and syntax. Oral and written Italian is clearly explained in lively classroom meetings where teacher-student rapport is open and direct. In addition to regular class study, students are divided into very small groups so that they may receive individual instruction from teaching assistants. Each week all teaching assistants meet with the students in these small groups to help them practice Italian. The teaching assistants distribute to more advanced students reading materials, such as newspaper articles, art reviews, and film criticism. Discussion of these materials with the teaching assistants enhances students’ awareness of Italian news, social events, and customs and deepens students’ understanding of Italian language and culture.

Italian language courses strive not only to explain grammar and idioms, but the cultural mores of Italy today. Thus, from the very beginning, language study serves to help students understand their new environment.

A related feature of Italian language study at SACI is the special Italian Language Exchange Partner Program. Students are introduced to a selected group of Italian students and professionals who are interested in exchanging language and are willing to introduce their SACI partner to mutually interesting events or activities. This optional but extremely popular initiative (over 75% of our students participate) is run by the Italian Language Area.

Students in this course are introduced to Italian language. Since students are studying the language for the first time, the pace of the class moves gradually to make certain that the foundations of the language are well understood. The language is related to the realities of living and working in Italy.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring, Late Spring, Summer
Prerequisite – none

This course emphasizes basic Italian language skills, such as how to refer to events in the past, give advice, express disapproval, and communicate one’s intentions. Students learn to express themselves in a variety of ways, ranging from informal conversation to more formal journal writing. In the first week, students review Italian language work they have done previously. Throughout the course, grammatical structures are related to everyday usage.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring, Late Spring, Summer
Prerequisite – Beginning Italian: Level I or equivalent

This course adds new grammatical concepts to those already learned. It aims at increasing oral, aural, and written language abilities by utilizing films and selected Italian texts. A basic grammar text and supplementary materials prepared by the instructor are used to broaden vocabulary and encourage students to think and speak in Italian. In addition to regular class sessions, language workshops with native speakers of Italian are organized to maximize students’ progress.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring, Late Spring, Summer
Prerequisite – Beginning Italian: Level II or equivalent

This course offers an intensive and stimulating opportunity for students to improve their knowledge of spoken and written Italian by discussing and analyzing the subtleties of Italian grammar in interesting texts, plays, and films. Students are able to take full advantage of the lively cultural environment of Florence to become proficient in Italian. All student papers, including poetry, are written and discussed in Italian. The classical and contemporary authors studied are chosen to match the level of comprehension of the students. Texts and review materials help students to gain fluency in Italian language and insight into both past and present Italian culture.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring, Late Spring, Summer
Prerequisite – Intermediate Italian or equivalent