Italian Language Course Descriptions
Beginner Level
Course Description: This course is designed for students who are new to learning Italian or have limited exposure to the language. The focus is on building a foundation in basic vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, alongside an introduction to Italian culture. Students will develop the skills needed for basic communication in everyday situations, such as greetings, ordering food, and introducing themselves. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in simple conversations and comprehend short, simple texts.
Intermediate Level
Course Description: This course builds on the foundations of beginner Italian and introduces students to more complex language structures and vocabulary. Students will engage with a variety of texts, including dialogues, short stories, and articles, to improve reading and listening comprehension. Emphasis will be placed on conversational skills, allowing students to handle a wider range of communicative situations with greater confidence. Students will also explore more about Italian culture, including art, history, and contemporary Italian society.
Advanced Level
Course Description: This advanced course focuses on refining the student's ability to use Italian in diverse and complex situations. Students will engage in extensive reading of authentic texts, including literature, news articles, and academic writing. The course will include discussions on abstract topics and will encourage students to express their opinions clearly and persuasively. At this level, cultural exploration deepens, with a focus on Italy’s regional diversity, history, and current global influence.
Cultural and Linguistic Proficiency Across Levels
All levels of the Italian course emphasize the integration of cultural understanding with linguistic proficiency. Students will not only learn to communicate in Italian but also gain insight into the traditions, customs, and societal norms that shape the Italian-speaking world. The course fosters an appreciation for Italy's rich artistic, historical, and cultural heritage, equipping students to understand and interact with the Italian language in a meaningful and contextual way.
Through consistent practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students will build their ability to function in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to more sophisticated discussions on Italian culture, history, and contemporary issues. Our unique curricular offerings integrate linguistic and culturally rich in-house events that feature pop-up lessons, guest speakers, cultural workshops, field trips and an annual trip to Italy.