Italian Language and Culture: Advanced (2023-2024) from edX

Benvenuti e Benvenute! (Welcome!)

Learn how to perfect your skills in Italian (speaking, listening, reading and writing), and by the end of this course you will be able to express opinions and hypotheses, and sustain an argument using a variety of registers. You will also expand your vocabulary to include topics beyond everyday conversation.

This language course offers a variety of tools that will help you learn in different ways:

Situational videos (called Ciak! , which means “clapperboard” in Italian): you will follow eight Italian students in their daily lives and interactions on our campus. What a great way to learn authentic conversational Italian!
Downloadable Podcasts: become a participant in each Ciak! video and practice Italian when and where you want on your portable device!
Grammar charts, with or without audio files: study and review grammar through concise, clear and downloadable pdf files, and practice pronunciation with our embedded audio files.
Short video lessons: as if in a real classroom, learn each new topic with the teacher’s direct guidance.
Video interviews: learn from various native speakers as they talk about different aspects of Italian culture.
Short “Letture” (readings): practice reading comprehension while learning about aspects of Italian culture.
Discussion board: your chance to communicate (in Italian!) with other students on a variety of suggested topics.
Ready to test your skills? Practice and review with a variety of self-correcting activities.

Italian culture is also an integral part of this course. Through interviews and readings you will learn about:

the challenges that the Italian economy is currently facing;
the origin and nature of the Italian Constitution;
Italian environmental challenges and solutions;
the significance of Dante’s journey in the Divine Comedy;
the “Commedia dell’Arte”, an Italian theatrical genre;
the origins of the Mafia;
the “Taranta” or “Pizzica”, a traditional style of music and dance from Southern Italy;
the recent immigration and the Italian citizenship law.

Whether you are a traditional, visual or auditory learner, you will find the tools that best fit your unique way to learn a foreign language.

Buono studio e buon divertimento!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Express your opinions, feelings, likes and dislikes, and make hypotheses on a variety of subjects, including current issues affecting your hometown and the world.
Enhance your italian writing skills.
Understand simple texts written for native speakers, such as newspaper or magazine articles.

Important grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive in all its tenses, hypothetical clauses, imperatives, present and past gerunds and infinitives, and the passive voice.
Italian culture, including the economy, environmental challenges, theater, opera, the mafia, dance, and law.

Express your opinions, feelings, likes and dislikes, and make hypotheses on a variety of subjects, including current issues affecting your hometown and the world.
Enhance your italian writing skills.
Understand simple texts written for native speakers, such as newspaper or magazine articles.
Important grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive in all its tenses, hypothetical clauses, imperatives, present and past gerunds and infinitives, and the passive voice.
Italian culture, including the economy, environmental challenges, theater, opera, the mafia, dance, and law.

Syllabus

Benvenute e Benvenuti!

With Italian Language and Culture: Advanced you will learn how to perfect your skills in Italian (speaking, listening, reading and writing): by the end of this course you will be able to express opinions and hypotheses on a variety of subjects using both formal and informal ways of communicating. You will also expand your vocabulary to include topics beyond everyday conversation. Italian culture is an integral part of this course: through interviews and readings you will learn about many aspects of Italian art, history, politics and contemporary society.

The course will stay open from February 12, 2023 until December 31, 2024 as a self-paced course: this means that you can cover the material at your own speed within the above timeframe. Although we estimate that, studying 3-4 hours per week, it will take you about 8 weeks to complete the course, you are under no obligation to finish within this suggested time. Please see the detailed syllabus below for suggestions on how to divide the material over 8 weeks.

You may decide to study towards a Verified Certificate of Completion ($59), or to learn for your personal enrichment and pleasure.

To receive a Verified Certificate of Completion you must obtain a final score of 60% on Tests. You may drop 2 Tests.

Course organization

The course consists of six Units. Each Unit is broken down in 5-6 lessons (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, etc.).

Each lesson presents its content in multiple ways. These can be viewed and studied in any order you prefer.

Below is a quick overview of the various components of each unit.

Ciak! videos: original videos shot on our campus with native and near native speakers of Italian. Each Ciak! video is followed by two downloadable Podcasts. These will be ideal for your on-the-go practice.

Grammar charts : grammar explanations, examples, and charts are available for review with audio files of each example and verb conjugation within the course, and can be downloaded in PDF file format.

Slide Shows with animation : grammar explanations with images and animation.

Videos (Slide Shows with Narration) : narrated grammar explanations.

Esercizi : online exercises with immediate feedback.

Vocaboli nuovi : new vocabulary lists are available as PDF files, slide show presentations, and videos with narration.

Discussione : creative writing prompts.

Lettura : readings delivered as PDF files, slide show presentations, and videos with narration.

Intervista : interview with a native speaker on a variety of cultural subjects.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to Italian culture through interviews, discussions, and readings, providing a holistic learning experience

Emphasizes speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, offering a comprehensive approach to language learning

Develops students' ability to express ideas and opinions on various subjects, fostering critical thinking skills

Provides a solid foundation in Italian grammar, ensuring learners have a strong understanding of the language's structure

Provides ample opportunities for practice through exercises, discussions, and creative writing prompts, fostering active learning

Incorporates a wide range of learning materials, including videos, readings, audio files, and interactive exercises, to cater to different learning styles

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Italian Language and Culture: Advanced (2023-2024) with these activities:

Learn Italian Grammar

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Understanding Italian grammar is essential for speaking and writing correctly. This activity will help you solidify your understanding of the language's grammatical rules.

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Review the grammar lessons in your course materials.
Complete the practice exercises in your workbook or online platform.
Seek help from a tutor or online forum if you encounter any difficulties.

Perform self-tests

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Practice your Italian grammar and vocabulary by completing self-tests.

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Take a self-test on Italian grammar.
Review your results.
Identify areas where you need more practice.
Complete additional practice exercises.
Take another self-test to measure your progress.

Practice Italian Vocabulary

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Regularly practicing Italian vocabulary will help you improve your fluency and expand your knowledge of the language.

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Use flashcards or a spaced repetition app to review new vocabulary words daily.
Set aside some time each day to practice speaking Italian with a friend or tutor.
Listen to Italian music or podcasts to improve your listening comprehension.

Five other activities

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Join a Conversation Group

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Conversation groups provide a supportive environment to practice speaking and listening to Italian with other learners. This can help you improve your fluency and confidence.

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Find a conversation group in your area or online.
Attend the meetings regularly and participate actively in the discussions.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes! The other learners will be understanding and supportive.

Attend an Italian Cultural Event

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Attending Italian cultural events can help you learn more about the culture and customs of Italy, which can enhance your understanding of the language.

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Find an Italian cultural event in your area, such as a film screening, a concert, or a cooking class.
Attend the event and immerse yourself in the Italian culture.

Create an Italian Travel Itinerary

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Planning an Italian travel itinerary can help you learn more about the country and its culture, while also practicing your Italian language skills.

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Decide on a budget and a timeframe for your trip.
Research different cities and regions of Italy to find places that interest you.
Book your flights and accommodations.
Plan your daily activities and transportation.
Learn some basic Italian phrases to help you communicate with locals.

Write an Italian Essay

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Writing an essay in Italian will challenge you to use all of the skills you have learned in the course, including grammar, vocabulary, and writing style.

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you have some knowledge of.
Do some research to gather information and ideas.
Write an outline to organize your thoughts and ideas.
Write a draft of your essay, focusing on getting your ideas down on paper.
Revise and edit your essay, checking for grammar, spelling, and style.

Read an Italian Novel

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Reading an Italian novel is a great way to improve your reading comprehension and expand your vocabulary. It can also help you learn more about Italian culture.

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Find an Italian novel that interests you and that is appropriate for your level.
Read the novel slowly and carefully, paying attention to the vocabulary and grammar.
Look up any unfamiliar words or phrases.

Career center

Learners who complete Italian Language and Culture: Advanced (2023-2024) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Interpreter

Interpreters help people who speak different languages to communicate with each other. They work in a variety of settings, including business, government, and healthcare. This course can help you prepare for a career as an interpreter by providing you with the skills you need to interpret spoken Italian. You will learn how to listen to Italian speakers and understand what they are saying, and you will learn how to speak Italian fluently so that you can communicate with them effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Translator

Translators help to bridge the gap between different languages and cultures. They work with written text, translating it from one language to another. This course can help prepare you for a career as a translator by providing you with a strong foundation in Italian language and culture. You will learn how to read, write, and speak Italian fluently, and you will gain an understanding of Italian history, politics, and society.

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Cultural Consultant

Cultural consultants help businesses and organizations to understand and navigate different cultures. They work with clients to develop strategies for cross-cultural communication and collaboration. This course can help you prepare for a career as a cultural consultant by providing you with a deep understanding of Italian culture. You will learn about Italian history, politics, society, and art, and you will gain the skills you need to communicate effectively with Italians.

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Language Teacher

Language teachers help students to learn new languages. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, and community colleges. This course can help you prepare for a career as a language teacher by providing you with the skills you need to teach Italian. You will learn how to create lesson plans, develop teaching materials, and assess student learning.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad. They work to build relationships with other countries and to promote their country's interests. This course can help you prepare for a career as a diplomat by providing you with a deep understanding of Italian culture and politics. You will learn about Italian history, politics, and society, and you will gain the skills you need to communicate effectively with Italians.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. They interview sources, research stories, and write articles that inform the public. This course can help you prepare for a career as a journalist by providing you with the skills you need to research and write about Italian affairs. You will learn how to identify and interview sources, how to conduct research, and how to write clear and concise articles.

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Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad. They work to promote American interests and to build relationships with other countries. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Foreign Service Officer by providing you with a deep understanding of Italian culture and politics. You will learn about Italian history, politics, and society, and you will gain the skills you need to communicate effectively with Italians.

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International Businessperson

International businesspeople work for companies that do business in multiple countries. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies for global expansion. This course can help you prepare for a career as an international businessperson by providing you with a deep understanding of Italian culture and business practices. You will learn about Italian history, politics, and society, and you will gain the skills you need to communicate effectively with Italians.

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Teacher

Teachers work with students to help them learn and grow. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, and community colleges. This course can help you prepare for a career as a teacher by providing you with the skills you need to teach Italian language and culture. You will learn how to create lesson plans, develop teaching materials, and assess student learning.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and marketing. This course can help you prepare for a career as a writer by providing you with the skills you need to write clear and concise Italian. You will learn how to develop your writing style, how to research and organize your ideas, and how to edit and revise your work.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit program managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs that serve the community. They work for a variety of organizations, including social service agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare providers. This course can help you prepare for a career as a nonprofit program manager by providing you with a deep understanding of Italian culture and society. You will learn about Italian history, politics, and society, and you will gain the skills you need to communicate effectively with Italians.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people to cope with difficult life circumstances. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide support and guidance. This course can help you prepare for a career as a social worker by providing you with a deep understanding of Italian culture and society. You will learn about Italian history, politics, and society, and you will gain the skills you need to communicate effectively with Italians.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records. They work in a variety of settings, including libraries, museums, and government agencies. This course can help you prepare for a career as an archivist by providing you with the skills you need to organize and manage Italian language archival materials. You will learn how to appraise, accession, and preserve Italian archival materials, and you will learn how to provide access to these materials to researchers.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and revise written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, nonfiction, journalism, and marketing. This course can help you prepare for a career as an editor by providing you with the skills you need to edit Italian text. You will learn how to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and you will learn how to improve the overall clarity and flow of written text.

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Librarian

Librarians help people to find and access information. They work in a variety of settings, including libraries, schools, and universities. This course can help you prepare for a career as a librarian by providing you with the skills you need to organize and manage Italian language materials. You will learn how to catalog and classify Italian books and other materials, and you will learn how to assist patrons with their research.

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