Modern Languages and Cultures

Italian Header

Head of Italian Language
Prof. Giuseppe Tassone
103 Xavier Hall
206-296-2456

The Italian program at Seattle University is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the Italian culture, and to learn its beautiful and musical language, while comparing their own language and culture with that of Italy, the boot-shaped European peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy is a fascinating country, and when students learn its language, they gain the exclusive key to access and experience not only its culture (music, art, literature…), but also its modern society, and to become a part of it. Italy is engaged in a dynamic contribution to the global economy (interior design, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle…), and knowing Italian can open your heart and expand your horizon.

Minor Requirements

  1. Fill out a formal application through the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
  2. Completion of 35 credits in Italian: ITAL115-ITAL315. The student must maintain an overall average 2.00 (C) in the minor courses with no grade below "C". "P" and "S" grades are not acceptable.
  3. Consult with your minor adviser, if you have already had advanced language proficiency.

Courses

  • ITAL115 Language I (5 credits)
  • ITAL125 Language II (5 credits)
  • ITAL135 Language III (5 credits)
  • ITAL215 Language IV (5 credits)
  • ITAL225 Language V (5 credits)
  • ITAL235 Language VI (5 credits)
  • ITAL315 Language VII (5 credits)

First year Italian

  • ITAL 115 Italian Language I - Fall (5 credits)
  • ITAL 125 Italian Language II - Winter (5 credits)
    • Prerequisite: Ital 115 or equivalent.
  • ITAL 135 Italian Language III - Spring (5 credits)
    • Prerequisite: Ital 125 or equivalent.

The first year Italian at Seattle University provides a comprehensive introduction to spoken and written Italian. Three language classes per week gradually familiarize the student with grammatical rules and functional skills necessary to communicate. The students will develop an understanding of grammar and pronunciation through continual interaction with their instructor and each other, guided role-play, songs and games, oral and written exercises.

Second year Italian

  • ITAL 215 Italian Language I - Fall (5 credits)
    • Prerequisite: Ital 135 or equivalent.
  • ITAL 225 Italian Language II - Winter (5 credits)
    •  Prerequisite: Ital 215 or equivalent.
  • ITAL 235 Italian Language III - Spring (5 credits)
    • Prerequisite: Ital 225 or equivalent.

The second year Italian is designed for students who have successfully completed Italian 135 at Seattle University or the equivalent level at another university. The purpose of this course is to further develop the students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, as well as their knowledge of Italy’s contemporary culture. The emphasis in this course is not so much on learning grammar (as a mechanical exercise) as on the active use of the language. In order to acquire the necessary knowledge of Italian grammar, idiomatic expressions, and vocabulary, students will explore readings, music, film, poetry, newspaper articles and the Internet.

Third year Italian

  • ITAL 315 Italian Culture and Society - Fall (5 credits).
    • Prerequisite: Ital 235 or equivalent

An introduction to Italian culture and history with emphasis on the reality of today s’ Italy such as: the growing ethnic and cultural diversity, gender roles in society and in the family and the new economy. Course is taught in Italian.

Italian Study Abroad -- Introduction 

Description: With early advance planning with your faculty adviser, students who are pursuing a major in another department and pursuing a minor in Italian may also be able to study abroad in Italy in a language based program either in a faculty-led program or in a partnership program.