Italian

Studying Italian isn't just about learning a language; it's about immersing yourself in a rich tapestry of culture, history, and literature. At Williams, our Italian courses offer more than just grammar lessons; they provide an opportunity for students to truly connect with the Italian worldview. That's why our classes are conducted exclusively in Italian. By diving headfirst into the language, students learn to communicate and develop a deep appreciation for Italian culture while experiencing it in a lively and natural way. It's not just education; it's an adventure in understanding.

Students (of any level) interested in more contact with Italian are encouraged to attend the weekly Italian Table (Tavola italiana) on Wednesdays at 12 pm in Discroll Lounge.

Each year, our students embark on unforgettable journeys to Italy as part of accredited academic programs. From the ancient streets of Rome to the Renaissance beauty of Florence, and the charming towns of Siena, Padua, Perugia, Bologna, Parma, and Lecce, they explore Italy's diverse cultural landscape firsthand.

For those seeking a deeper dive, our Winter Study courses offer the opportunity to conduct research in Italy, adding an extra layer of academic enrichment. Moreover, some of our exceptional students have been honored with post-graduate Fulbright teaching assistantships and scholarships, allowing them to continue their studies or work in Italy, further enriching their understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary country.

Thank you for joining us for the first Italian Festival at Williams College!

The first annual Italian festival featured art, music, architecture, literature, and our students of Italian at Williams and abroad!

Courses

RLIT 101(F) SEM Elementary Italian

This course is designed for beginners. Its goal is to allow students to develop basic oral/listening and reading/writing proficiency in Italian. During the semester, students will be trained in grammar, pronunciation, listening-oral skills, reading, and writing in Italian by studying various communication settings and real-life situations. The class is conducted entirely in Italian. [ more ]

Taught by: Mario Sassi

Catalog details

RLIT 102(S) SEM Elementary Italian

This course is designed for beginners who already have some basic knowledge of Italian. Its goal is for students to review and expand their oral/listening and reading/writing proficiency in Italian. During the semester, students will continue to learn Italian grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation while improving listening-oral skills, reading, and writing in Italian. The class is conducted entirely in Italian. [ more ]

Taught by: Mario Sassi

Catalog details

RLIT 103(F) SEM History of Italy in Movies

The course aims primarily to enhance the student's speaking, reading, and writing abilities while introducing the history of Italy and its rich cinematic culture. Students will review and expand the previous semesters' grammar structures to achieve a higher level of fluency and sophistication in language production. The class is intended as a continuation of Italian 101 and 102, but welcomes study-abroad returnees and students who have an intermediate level of Italian. The class is conducted entirely in Italian. [ more ]

Taught by: Mario Sassi

Catalog details

RLIT 105 SEM Pathway to Proficiency

Last offered Fall 2023

The course aims primarily to enhance the student's speaking, reading, and writing ability while introducing the formal study of Italian culture and society by analyzing short literary texts, articles, films, shows, and podcasts. In addition, students will review and expand the previous semesters' grammar structures to achieve a higher level of fluency and sophistication in language production. Italian 105 is intended for study-abroad returnees and other advanced speakers; students who have been particularly successful in Italian 101-102 are also encouraged to enroll. The class is conducted entirely in Italian. [ more ]

Taught by: Mario Sassi

Catalog details