Italian

This course builds on and rapidly expands control of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Students consolidate their ability to negotiate basic survival situations in the target language and learn more advanced grammar concepts, especially with attention to the past tenses. They understand sentences and common expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local topography, employment). They complete routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters. They describe in simple terms aspects of their background, environment, and matters in areas of immediate need. They talk about their family, living conditions, present or recent, and past work and school activities, and personal experiences. They are able to expand learned phrases through simple re-combinations of their elements. All four abilities (writing, speaking, listening, reading) are developed in the class, also with the support of authentic audiovisual materials such as Italian movies, short videos, tv programs, and songs. The course uses a communication-based approach: students engage in daily role-plays, group activities, games, and class discussions. Out of class activities are designed to take advantage of the opportunities for interaction and language practice, as well as immersion in Italian culture, that the city provides.

This course completes the elementary level of Italian, affording the opportunity to expand conversation, writing, and reading skills while consolidating knowledge of more complex grammar structures. Students understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure time, etc. They deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They learn to produce simple connected texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly illustrate opinions and plans. Students expand their Italian vocabulary and improve their mode of expression in the language. They are aware of the significant differences that exist between uses, customs, behaviors, and values of the community in which they live. They also master essential rules of courtesy and etiquette of the hosting country. All four abilities (writing, speaking, listening, reading) are developed in the class, also with the support of authentic audiovisual materials such as Italian movies, short videos, tv programs, and songs. The course uses a communication-based approach: students engage in daily role-plays, group activities, games, and class discussions. Out of class activities are designed to take advantage of the opportunities for interaction and language practice, as well as immersion in Italian culture, that the city provides.

This course provides students with a sound basis for communicating effectively and accurately in Italian.  Emphasis is on the fundamentals of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  “Real-life” activities expose students to day-to-day contexts likely to be encountered outside the classroom environment reinforcing grammatical structures learned in class and increasing functional skills. Students review and complete the study of Italian grammar and are exposed to a broad spectrum of language to reinforce their written and spoken skills. In addition, students are able to read texts of a certain complexity, to give clear descriptions on various topics, and to develop their ideas. They produce clear and articulated texts on a wide array of topics and express opinions on current events, explaining pros and cons of the various options. They are engaged in individual reading, class discussion, and analysis (both written and oral) of contemporary literary texts. Out of class activities are designed to take full advantage of the city of Florence and provide opportunities for interaction and enhancement of language skills, as well as immersion in Italian culture.
 

The aim of this course is to help students review and learn advanced structures of Italian grammar and vocabulary and to explore contemporary aspects of Italian culture. The course is strongly focused on communication: students learn the language they need to interact with Italian speakers in real-life situations. Students can understand a wide range of complex, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for words expressions. They use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes, and they produce clear, well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. Readings, homework, and in- and out-of-class activities are designed to help students expand their knowledge of Italian language and grammar. At this level, students are considered proficient users who can handle a wide range of elaborate ideas, and communicate fluently and spontaneously on personal, work-related and academic topics. They can demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Italian culture within the broader framework of global perspectives in a multicultural world. All four abilities (writing, speaking, listening, reading) are developed, also with the support of authentic audiovisual materials such as Italian movies, short videos, TV programs, and songs. The course uses a communication-based approach: students engage in daily role-plays, group activities, games, and class discussions. Out of class activities are designed to take advantage of the opportunities for interaction and language practice, as well as immersion in Italian culture, that the city provides.

The course has 2 parts A and B. Students must take both parts. No partial credit is possible. Students who complete a paper on a pre-approved topic are awarded 1 extra quarter unit per part. Maxim units for this course are 12. (6 units per part.) The course focuses on 20th century Italian literature with special attention to sociological, anthropological, and philosophical questions. The course highlights general notions in critical theory and textual analysis including formal, structural, and compositional elements as well as the question of reception. Special attention is placed on a selection of modern and contemporary literary texts related to Italian and European traditions. The course examines topics including like animated magic, music in 20th century Italian literature, and the presence of music: structural, thematic, and stylistic elements. Course Part A focuses on poetry, including works such as THE FLAME by Gabriele d'Annunzio, LYRICAL FRAGMENTS by Clemente Rebora and Frammenti lirici, WAR VARIATIONS by Amelia Rosselli and Variazioni belliche, and THE WALL OF THE EARTH, THE FREE HUNTER, and THE COUNT OF KEVENHÜLLER by Giorgio Caproni. Course Part B focuses on prose, including works such as A PRIVATE MATTER by Beppe Fenoglio, and A POSTMODERN WEEKEND CHRONICLES FROM THE EIGHTIES by Pier Vittorio Tondelli.

Please note course extends into January, available for year students only. The course focuses on the relationship between plants and environment and the implications for society. Different aspects of the modern or alternative use of plants is analyzed. Special attention is placed on associating structural and functional characteristics of plants with their influence on environmental and economic sustainability as well as human health. The laboratory associated with the course focuses on how science (in particular plant biotechnology) is the basis for technology and knowledge regarding the use of plants in modern society. Students are encouraged to pursue personal interests connected to the course. The course discusses topics including cell cultures of plant tissues and organs, transgenic plants, plants and food, alimurgic plants, dyeing plants, phytoremediation, the plants as bio-indicators of pollution; urban plants as bio-indicators of climate change, positive and negative interactions of plants with human artifacts (monuments and architectural works), palynology, plants as a source of energy., biorefineries, and bioplastics. To be able to attend the laboratory, students must possess laboratory safety certification (completion of Modules 1 and 2 of the laboratory safety certification) at Unibo.

This intensive language course is designed for UC students who have completed at least one semester or two quarters of Italian language. The course follows the language proficiency guidelines set up by the European level and is equivalent to the A2 level according to the European framework. The course focuses on Italian language and culture and uses the city of Bologna and its inhabitants as primary sources for information regarding language use and customs. The course is conducted entirely in Italian and is designed for students who already have basic knowledge of the language and want to improve their communication skills. Students are exposed to authentic Italian material linked to the city of Bologna, its history, and culture. The course also includes material from film clips, songs, and websites. At the end of the four week intensive course, students are expected to be able to talk about themselves and their life, and to describe present, past, and future events, to give suggestions, and to discuss their choices and preferences. Students are expected to understand short dialogues, conversations, and clips from mainstream Italian films and to express their ideas on a variety of topics. The course emphasizes oral production in light of the goal of communicating with Italian university students and local residents. The course follows a communicative approach to language acquisition and involves opportunities for role playing, group activities, games, class discussions and exchanges with native University of Bologna students. Activities outside the classroom are organized in order to reinforce observation and communication skills that facilitate immersion in Italian culture. The course includes a major field trip. Students select the number of quarter units from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6. The course is organized by inlingua with supervision from the UCEAP Bologna Study Center. Course materials are provided by inlingua. The basic text for the course is: NUOVO CONTATTO A1 (Loescher, 2018).

This is a graduate level course that is part of the Laurea Magistrale program in Cultural Anthropology. The course is intended for advanced levels students only. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course focuses on the history of visual anthropology and on the use of video and photographic techniques in ethnographic research. Students develop a critical view of ethnographic representation related to the use of such techniques. Through the lens of a Cinema of Anthropology, the course offers the instruments necessary for analyzing the content of the visual representation on the one hand, and on the other, the context in which visual representations are produced and received. Examples of context include: who has filmed whom, and why, and how; with what means of production; what is the role of the “director” and of the “spectator” in the filmed/screened reality; and who views these representations and how do they view them. After an introduction to specific cinema genres, the course focuses on questions of production, direction, and visual communication, within the framework of an “aesthetic of resistance” focusing on the visual representation of culture and society, through the screening of documentary films and fiction. The course reflects on the theme of the representation of diversity and on the different cinematic representations associated with anthropology (ethnographic films, documentaries, indigenous cinema). Each lecture focuses on different themes and concepts and is followed by the screening of films, videos, and clips which are then analyzed as a group. Students are encouraged to be active participants in the course through role playing, presentations, and discussions. Students are required to write a 5,000 word essay analyzing a film of their choice (with the consent of the instructor), which can then be presented in the class also as a team project. The thesis must include the concepts of the essential course texts. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the assigned texts during the final oral exam session. Alternatively, students can choose to present a short ethnographic film accompanied by a 3,000 word essay which explains the filmmaking approach and relates the ethnographic film practice to the content of the course. Finally, another option is to present a film essay - a critical analysis of one or two films that is developed through a visual presentation, with analysis of film clips in a cinematic approach. Further information on the assessment process is provided during the course. The course relies heavily on film, videos, and clips which are screened in class.

This course is for students who have already studied Italian and can easily express themselves on familiar topics. It runs at the B1/B2 level according to the CEFR level. This communicative course develops oral skills in Italian.