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Italian Studies at MADE means immersion in the local community, interactive language study, and Italian-taught liberal arts courses that explore essential elements of the Italian culture.
Italian Studies Track
Sicily played a central part in the development of the Italian culture, especially through its role in ancient times. Syracuse is an ideal place to explore Italian Studies, unpacking Sicily’s impact on Italian history, literature, cinema, and more, in a city where the population will engage with learners in Italian. Students with Italian language proficiency can opt to take their Italian Studies courses taught in Italian. As MADE Italian Studies students deepen their knowledge of Italian culture, they also work to enhance their language skills through Italian language courses, taught at all levels.
Italian Language Courses | Spring 2026
| Italian Language 1 ITAL 100 | This beginner-level Italian course focuses on developing basic conversational, reading, listening, and writing skills. Students will acquire essential vocabulary and grammar for everyday situations like cafes, stations, and restaurants. The course covers simple sentence structures, present tense, prepositions, past tense, and common expressions for social interactions. |
| Italian Language 2 ITAL 150 | This intermediate Italian course builds on basic language skills, focusing on more complex situations and extended communication. Students will deepen their understanding of grammar (present, passato prossimo, imperfetto), expand vocabulary, and practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in everyday contexts, including private correspondence and simple descriptions. |
| Italian Language 3 ITAL 200 | This intermediate-advanced Italian course is for students who have a solid grasp of basic language structures. It focuses on using comprehensive grammar to discuss past, present, and future events, express doubts and desires, and engage in routine tasks. Students will expand vocabulary, improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for everyday and practical communication. |
| Italian Language 4 ITAL 250 | This course, designed for students who have completed level three or the entrance exam, focuses on more complex language structures to express opinions and preferences. It enables students to engage in unprepared conversations on familiar topics, narrate simple stories, and understand and produce written and spoken texts on everyday matters. |
| Italian Language 5 ITAL 300 | This course, available for students who have completed level four or the entrance exam, focuses on a deep revision of Italian grammar, emphasizing conversation skills and expanding vocabulary. Students will practice expressing themselves fluently on various everyday topics, including family, hobbies, work, and current events, while improving their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. |
| Italian Language 6 ITAL 350 | This course, for students who have completed level five or the entrance exam, focuses on refining the use of tenses, moods, and prepositions. It emphasizes grammatical structures, vocabulary expansion through synonyms and antonyms, and practical application in both professional and personal contexts. Students will enhance their writing and listening skills with authentic materials and focus on narrative, comprehension, and producing detailed texts. |
| Italian for Conversation ITAL 260 | This course, for students with Italian Language 3 or equivalent, enhances conversational fluency through role plays, discussions, and media (films, podcasts). Students will improve listening and speaking skills, express opinions, describe topics, and summarize content, while engaging with Italian culture. |
| Italy from WW2 to the 21st Century: a Southern Perspective * ITAL 251 | This course explores post-war Italy, focusing on the dynamics from WWII to the present, with an emphasis on Southern Italy and Sicily. Students will examine the political, cultural, and economic history, analyzing the "questione meridionale," regional identities, and the foundation of the Italian Republic. |
| Italian Literature: Sicilian Writers * ITAL 252 | This course explores the impact of Sicily’s culture, history, and mythology on modern Italian literature. Students will examine the works of key Sicilian writers, their themes, and their influence on literature and cinema. Through readings, films, and a writing workshop, students will deepen their understanding of Sicilian literary contributions. |
| Italian Cinema in Sicily * ITAL 253 | This course explores significant Italian films, their historical role, and cultural impact, with a focus on Sicily. Students will examine diverse film movements and styles that emerged in Italy from the mid-20th century to the present, analyzing how these works reflect Italian society, culture, and history. |
*Content Courses: these courses can be offered in English or Italian