Intermediate Italian II: Italy in Dialogue

Professor: Luisanna Sardu  

Course Number: ITAL 202

CRN Number: 10122

Class cap: 22

Credits: 4

Schedule/Location:

Mon  Wed  10:10 AM  -  11:30 AM  Olin Language Center 207

Distributional Area:

FL  Foreign Languages and Lit   

This course intends to reinforce students' skills in grammar, composition, and spoken proficiency, through advanced grammar review, conversation practice, reading/analysis of short texts, writing simple compositions, as well as the use of magazine articles, videos, and songs. The focus of the semester will be on conversation and cultural communication, and will explore the richness and variety of Italy's many cultures in its literal and figurative possibilities. Prerequisites: Italian 201 (or the equivalent).

When the Italian Renaissance Conquered Hollywood

Professor: Luisanna Sardu  

Course Number: ITAL 238

CRN Number: 10706

Class cap: 16

Credits: 4

Schedule/Location:

    Mon  Wed    3:30 PM – 4:50 PM  Hegeman 106

Distributional Area:

FL  Foreign Languages and Lit   

The revival of ancient Greek and Roman knowledge between the 14th and 17th century allowed scientific, philosophical, and artistic innovations. A new understanding of beauty, elegance, and, in particular, of human nature, profoundly transformed and inspired the literature and art of Renaissance authors and artists such as Giovanni Boccaccio, Lorenzo de' Medici, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Vittoria Colonna, Veronica Franco, among many others. Their work influenced the literature and art of their time and resonates in ours; and even Hollywood has taken note. What still fascinates us about the representation of these works on the screen? How do literature and movies successfully nourish one another? In this course we will address these questions while also reading and analyzing the poems, short stories, and works of art composed by these outstanding personalities. We will compare our reading and analysis to Hollywood’s interpretation and adaptation of their lives and works. During these comparative activities, students will participate in oral and written form.  Prerequisites: Advanced Review of Italian, or permission of instructor.  Conducted in Italian.