Cultural Topics in Italian

Course description
The course, conducted entirely in Italian, focuses on strengthening the student’s knowledge and use of Italian at an advanced academic level while introducing student to major themes of Italian modern culture. Through the viewing of films and reading and analysis of literary
texts and articles, the course explores topics relating to contemporary Italy, such as immigration and emigration and issues and challenges facing young Italians. The course enlarges the student’ perspectives on Italy today by exploring various interpretations of cultural phenomena, with particular attention to artistic, social and historical aspects.

Required Textbook (subject to change)
A course reader will be available at the copy shop
Guida, Pepe. Esercitarsi con la grammatica, Guerra Edizioni.
Autori Vari ,Centrifuga, Sinnos

Recommended Readings (subject to change)
Students are expected to have a good bilingual dictionary (e.g. Garzanti paperback).
On‐line resource:  Italian/English and English/Italian Dictionary
(http://www.garzantilinguistica.it) ‐ new browser window will open. Requires registration
(free) to use the resource. 

 
Course Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in Italian at the advanced level;
2. Demonstrate in‐depth knowledge of Italian contemporary culture;
3. Conduct a critical analysis of a literary text and a cultural item, identifying key issues and themes, style and form;
4. Demonstrate information literacy skills.