Language Classes

From Beginners to Conversational Speakers, We have a Class For You!

Introduction to Italian (Beginner level class) 

This course is the foundational Italian course and is designed for people who have not had previous Italian language instruction. As such, the course begins to build foundations in four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Oral and written communication is integrated with vocabulary building and mastery of basic grammatical structures. To the greatest extent possible, language and culture are paired in a cross- pollinating manner: realistic scenarios, readings, multimedia activities, and discussion of cultural and social themes will simultaneously build language skills and reinforce cultural awareness and confidence. 

Tuesdays 4pm– 5:30pm 12 weeks beginning April 20, 2021. Students will be required to purchase a workbook. 

THE DIVINE COMEDY by Dante Alighieri (Intermediate level class) 

The poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was a Florentine citizen active in his city's cultural and political life up to about age 35. Political circumstances forced him to spend the second half of his life in exile. It was during this tumultuous time that Dante wrote one of the most stunning and influential works of world literature, which he named Commedia, aka "The Divine Comedy". The bulk of this course is dedicated to the Inferno (Dante's Hell). We will use the highly acclaimed translation by Durling and Martinez, while paying attention to the original Italian text and discussing the translators' choices when most relevant. In-class discussions and writing assignments will be in English. 

Wednesdays 4pm– 5:30pm 12 weeks beginning April 21, 2021. Additional information will be provided upon registration. 

Both courses will be taught by instructor Dr. Marco Prina. Dr. Prina completed a joint Ph.D. in Italian Studies and Medieval Studies at the University of California in 2014. He lived in the United States for a few years and has moved back to Italy. He currently resides in Valdarno, Italy, in the heart of Tuscany. 

All classes will be held virtually, via ZOOM. Textbooks: To be determined by instructor. Class Syllabus will be provided upon registration. 

Tuition: $150 for ICC Members / $175 for Non-Members. 

Deadline for registration is April 11, 2021. Classes have limited capacity so please register early! 

Go to Downloads page for the Registration Form.