ITAL 290 takes students to study Italian language and culture in Italy under the direction of a member of the Communications Division faculty. Prior to departure, students meet with the instructor for basic language and cultural lessons and to choose an individual topic of research in the area of Italian language, literature, or culture. While overseas, students put their knowledge of language and culture into practice. On their return, students reflect on their study abroad experience, develop their topic of special interest, and present it in the form of a paper, portfolio, or project. Specific travel information will be announced at least one semester prior to departure.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
ITAL 290 will provide opportunities for language practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Italian. As a Study Abroad course, this class will also promote the knowledge of Italy and its people and help students understand how language and culture connect. Finally, this course will also encourage academic responsibility, critical thinking, and an understanding of research methods, the results of which will be presented as a researched essay, report, or other creative project.
- The specific course topic is to be determined by the instructor. However, each Study Abroad should include:
• A review of Italian pronunciation, grammar, structure, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation • A specific linguistic, literary, or cultural theme • Conversation in the target language (as much as the student’s ability allows) • Discussion of Italian culture
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Converse in Italian with the instructor using basic standard Italian pronunciation, grammar, structure, and vocabulary.
2. Read and analyze selections from basic literary works or contemporary media related to the designated theme.
3. Listen, interpret, and respond in basic Italian.
4. Understand basic written Italian.
5. Compare and contrast basic Italian language/literature/culture with basic American language/literature/culture.*
6. Analyze basic Italian language/literature/culture through written and oral discourse on issues related to the designated theme.*
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment methods will be determined by each instructor, but the following assessments are recommended: 1. Weekly consultations with the instructor 2. Periodic written summary of work performed/reflective portfolio 3. Final project
- Prior to leaving the United States, the students and instructor will choose a mutual area of interest such as one aspect of basic language, literature, culture, etc.
- The instructor will then assist the students in identifying resources for investigation (books, web sites, journal articles, places to visit, people to interview, etc.), at least some of which will be in Italian.
- The students will conduct pre-travel research on their own.
- The students and instructor will travel to Italy and put into practice their newly acquired linguistic and cultural knowledge.
- While in Italy, the students, aided by the instructor, will do further research on their selected topic.
- Upon returning to the United States, the students will present a paper, report, or project along with a bibliography by the end of the semester.
ITAL 290 will use any resources approved by the instructor, whether they be written, oral or experiential.
Outcomes
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Humanities
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts