Topics course.

This seminar examines the material culture of everyday life in New England from the earliest colonial settlements to the Victorian era. It introduces students to the growing body of material culture studies and the ways in which historic landscapes, architecture, furniture, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, foodways and domestic environments are interpreted as cultural documents and as historical evidence.

An introduction to the methods and concerns of American studies. We draw on literature, painting, architecture, landscape design, social and cultural criticism, and popular culture to explore such topics as responses to economic change, ideas of nature and culture, America’s relationship to Europe, the question of race, the roles of women, family structure, social class and urban experience.

Topics Course: In this age of globalization, how do contemporary Italians relate to the Mediterranean: the sea that the Romans called mare nostrum (our sea) and that the Maritime Republics of Genoa, Venice, Amalfi and Pisa dominated for centuries? How does the past affect the way Italians today view the wave of recent immigrants who arrive by sea? How does Italy experience the fundamental opposition between sea and land, given its peculiar geographical configuration (its overextended coastlines and multiplicity of islands)?

A review of outstanding works in Italian literature, theater, and Opera from the Middle Ages to the 1700s. Special attention will be given to modern stage performances in light of their cultural and social backgrounds. Prerequisite: ITL 220 or permission of the instructor. Taught in Italian. A separate discussion session is a required part of the course (ITL 250D).

A review of outstanding works in Italian literature, theater, and Opera from the Middle Ages to the 1700s. Special attention will be given to modern stage performances in light of their cultural and social backgrounds. Prerequisite: ITL 220 or permission of the instructor. Taught in Italian. A separate discussion session is a required part of the course (ITL 250D).

Designed to support Intermediate Italian students to help them improve their conversational skills, this course offers intensive practice in pronunciation, vocabulary, oral comprehension and conversation. It includes class discussions, role-playing and short oral presentations. Prerequisite: two semesters of ITL 110 or placement exam to ensure correct language level.

Comprehensive grammar review through practice in writing and reading. Literary texts and cultural material constitute the base for in-class discussions and compositions. Students taking ITL 220 are also strongly encouraged to take a conversation course. Taking both courses strengthens students’ confidence and ability to become proficient in Italian. Prerequisite: ITL 110Y or ITL 111 or permission of the department.

Italian culture is internationally renowned for its attention to quality and craftsmanship. The course focuses on post-World War II culture and students learn how Italian traditional artistic and craft excellence was negotiated with technological modernization and the creation of a mass-consumer society.

Designed to support beginning Italian students and to help them improve their conversational skills. This course offers intensive practice in pronunciation, vocabulary, oral comprehension and conversation. It includes class discussions, role-playing and short oral presentations. Prerequisite: one semester of ITL 110 or ITL 111 or placement exam to ensure correct language level. Enrollment limit of 12 students per section.