ITAL UN

Elementary level of Italian

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V1101 or the equivalent. Prerequisites: ITAL V1101 or the equivalent. Introduction to Italian grammar, with emphasis on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

An intensive course that covers two semesters of elementary Italian in one, and prepares students to move into Intermediate Italian. Students will develop their Italian communicative competence through listening, (interactive) speaking, reading and (interactive) writing. The Italian language will be used for real-world purposes and in meaningful contexts to promote intercultural understanding. This course is especially recommended for students who already know another Romance language. May be used toward fulfillment of the language requirement

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL W1221 or sufficient fluency to satisfy the instructor. Corequisites: Recommended: ITAL V1201-V/W1202 or ITAL W1201-W1202. Prerequisites: ITAL W1221 or sufficient fluency to satisfy the instructor. Corequisites: Recommended: ITAL V1201-V/W1202 or ITAL W1201-W1202. Conversation courses may not be used to satisfy the language requirement or fulfill major or concentration requirements. Intensive practice in the spoken language, assigned topics for class discussions, and oral reports

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL UN2102 ITAL W1311 or sufficient fluency to satisfy the instructor. Prerequisites: ITAL UN2102 or sufficient fluency to satisfy the instructor. Conversation courses may not be used to satisfy the language requirement or fulfill major or concentration requirements. This course is designed for students who have attended four semesters of Italian language, mastered the grammatical structure of the language and are ready to expand and enlarge their language skills. A particular emphasis will be put on oral production, on listening and on reading: in class and at home the students will analyze various kinds of text and genres. In-class time is dedicated to speaking and practicing Italian through a combination of group-based and individual activities, focusing on a wide range of contemporary cultural themes through the use of varied materials such as newspaper articles, advertising material and short film clips. We will focus also on grammatical structures, language functions and activities to expand the vocabulary

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V1102 or W1102, or the equivalent. If you did not take Elementary Italian at Columbia in the semester preceding the current one, you must take the placement test, offered by the Italian Department at the beginning of each semester. Prerequisites: ITAL V1102 or W1102, or the equivalent. If you did not take Elementary Italian at Columbia in the semester preceding the current one, you must take the placement test, offered by the Italian Department at the beginning of each semester.,

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V1201 or W1201, or the equivalent. If you did not take Elementary Italian at Columbia in the semester preceding the current one, you must take the placement test, offered by the Italian Department at the beginning of each semester. Prerequisites: ITAL V1201 or W1201, or the equivalent. If you did not take Elementary Italian at Columbia in the semester preceding the current one, you must take the placement test, offered by the Italian Department at the beginning of each semester. A review of grammar, intensive reading, composition, and practice in conversation. Exploration of literary and cultural material. Lab: hours to be arranged. ITAL V1202 fulfils the basic foreign language requirement and prepares students for advanced study in Italian language and literature

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL UN1102 or ITAL V1102 or the equivalent, with a grade of B+ or higher. Prerequisites: ITAL UN1102 or the equivalent, with a grade of B or higher. An intensive course that covers two semesters of intermediate Italian in one, and prepares students for advanced language and literature study. Grammar, reading, writing, and conversation. Exploration of literary and cultural materials. This course may be used to fulfill the language requirement

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Corequisites: Recommended: ITAL V1201-V/W1202 or ITAL W1201-W1202.

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Corequisites: Recommended: ITAL V3335x-V3336y.

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V1202 or W1202 or the equivalent. Prerequisites: Intermediate Italian II ITAL UN2102 or the equivalent. UN3334x-UN3333y is the basic course in Italian literature. UN3333: This course, entirely taught in Italian, introduces you to Medieval and early modern Italian literature. It will give you the opportunity to test your ability as a close-reader and discover unusual and fascinating texts that tell us about the polycentric richness of the Italian peninsula. We will read poems, tales, letters, fiction and non-fiction, travel writings and political pamphlets. The great “Three Crowns” - Dante, Petrarca and Boccaccio - as well as renowned Renaissance authors such as Ludovico Ariosto and Niccolò Machiavelli, will show us the main path to discover Italian masterpieces and understand the European Renaissance. But we will also explore China with Marco Polo and the secrets of the Medieval soul diving into the mystical poems by Jacopone da Todi. We will study parody and laughter through the “poesia giocosa” (parodic poetry) by Cecco Angiolieri and the legacy of Humanism through the letters of Poggio Bracciolini. This first overview will allow you to explore Italian literature from its complex and multicultural beginnings to its diffusion across Europe during the Renaissance

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V1202 or W1202 or the equivalent. Prerequisites: ITAL UN2102 or the equivalent. UN3334-UN3333 is the basic course in Italian literature. UN3334: Authors and works from the Cinquecento to the present. Taught in Italian

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V1202 or W1202 or the equivalent. If you did not take Intermediate Italian at Columbia in the semester preceding the current one, you must take the placement test, offered by the Italian Department at the beginning of each semester. Prerequisites: ITALUN2102 or the equivalent. If you did not take Intermediate Italian at Columbia in the semester preceding the current one, you must take the placement test, offered by the Italian Department at the beginning of each semester. Written and oral self-expression in compositions and oral reports on a variety of topics; grammar review. Required for majors and concentrators

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V3335 ITAL V3335. Prerequisites: ITAL V3335 Advanced reading, writing, speaking with emphasis on authentic cultural materials. Topic and semester theme varies

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: ITAL V3335. Prerequisites: ITAL V3335. Students will develop advanced language competence while analyzing and discussing Italian film comedies and their reflection of changing Italian culture and society. Films by Monicelli, Germi, Moretti, Wertmuller, Soldini and others

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: (ITAL UN2102)

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: (ITAL UN2102) or (ITAL UN2121) Prerequisites: (ITAL UN2102) or (ITAL UN2121) Students must have completed Intermediate level Italian language proficiency. The course, designed for students who have mastered the grammatical structure of the language, will give the students the opportunity to improve their language skills and discover Italian art from Middle Ages to the second half of twentieth century. The works of the artists will be studied and discussed with the intent of developing knowledge of the main features of artistic and cultural movements and of the appropriate vocabulary and terminology to describe and talk about them. A particular emphasis will be put to oral and written productions: various kinds of texts and genres will be practiced (description, narration, critical analysis). Students will learn how to describe and interpret a work of art, examine the main characteristics and the techniques used by the artists and will be able to look for themes recurring in the artistic productions. The artists covered during the course will be introduced along the lines of their unique artistic, historical and socio-cultural relevance through different sources: images, scholarly essays, literature, video and music. Two visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and to CIMA (Center for Modern Italian Art) will be organized. In Italian

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Everywhere in the world, the expression ‘Made in Italy’ evokes the idea of quality, elegance and unique taste. From food to wine, from artisanal craftmanship to fashion, from the automobile industry to the design, ‘Made in Italy’ means creativity, durability, and a guarantee of excellence. Today, Italy is the fourth largest economic power in Europe and many countries like the USA have long established economic relationships and partnership with it. While the English language has been increasingly used during these economic exchanges, a basic knowledge of Italian terminology within a context of commerce and trade is an important asset and a useful resource. Developing a strong understanding of the Italian business environment and its culture offers useful advantages for all those who want to create ties with or plan to work in the Italian business world in the future. The course is open to all students who have completed the Italian intermediate level and would like to have an introduction to Italian language used for work and business. The course will be conducted as an intensive practice in the spoken and written language through assigned topics focusing on Italian business and related cultural themes. It will provide an overview of the job market world and the business environment in Italy, giving students the main tools to explore and interact appropriately in a professional environment. During the second half of the semester, the course will introduce students to the Made in Italy excellence and the history responsible for Italian Style’s world-renowned fame and high-demand. Students will learn how the concept of Made in Italy originated, look at the history of Italian style and its international value. The lessons in the second half of the semester will be integrated with interviews of people in Italy and in New York City working in businesses that sell or advertise Italian products. The interviews (one per week) will provide a direct look into the areas that are being discussed in class, so that students will have the opportunity to learn firsthand what it means to work in a business in Italy or with Italy, and with Italian products

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Explores the representation of national identity in Italian cinema from the Facist era to the present. Examines how both geography and history are used to construct an image of Italy and the Italians. Special focus on the cinematic representation of travel and journeys between North and South. Films by major neo-realist directors (Rossellini, De Sica, Visconti) as well as by leading contemporaries (Moretti, Amelio).

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

This course explores the evolution of Italian Cinema from the pre-Fascist era to the millenium, and examines how films construct an image of Italy and the Italians. Special focus will be on the cinematic representations of gender. Films by major directors (Fellini, De Sica, Visconti) as well as by leading contemporaries (Moretti, Garrone, Rohrwacher) will be discussed.

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Course Description This course proposes a virtual tour of the country’s most famous sites, looking at the ways in which what is local and peculiar, diverse and marginal, contributes its distinctive style and character to the overall unity and uniqueness of Italy. Each week we consider a different aspect of Italy’s richness and variety: from the evolution of its language/s and dialects to its humor; its art and landscapes; the music from ancient times to current pop songs; its cinema and web serials, its cuisine, the contributions of migrants, and much more. The course is highly interdisciplinary and will assist students in the development of their linguistic and cultural skills, while tracing the origins of most mainstream Italian cultural phenomena, and imparting an awareness of modern Italy's multiculturalism.

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

What do we envision when we think about Renaissance Florence? A long-standing and influential narrative placing Florence at the heart of the Renaissance prompts us to imagine a civilization defined by the esthetic ideals of beauty, grace, harmony, and balance. On the other hand, there are counter arguments that emphasize darker elements and suggest that the Italian Renaissance was a period marked by violence, immorality, and a cynicism famously attributed to the Florentine Niccolò Machiavelli. Since neither of these contrasting perspectives provides an exhaustive, accurate picture, it is useful––indeed, necessary––to explore the phenomenon that we call Renaissance with an openness to its full range of dimensions. In this process, our very present may both contribute to and complicate our endeavor to shape new paths of inquiry. This course will focus on Renaissance Florence from a variety of viewpoints. In the introductory section, we will use a diverse set of sources (including theoretical readings and examples from pop culture) to lay the foundations of our work. Then, building on recent trends in Renaissance scholarship, our exploration will foreground three perspectives in particular: (I) we will look at Renaissance Florence through the lens of queer and gender studies; (II) we will consider the role of orality and performance; and (III) we will focus on cultural and religious diversity. Special attention will be devoted to the figure and works of Niccolò Machiavelli. By looking at Machiavelli from the three perspectives mentioned above, we will be able to investigate neglected sides of his intellectual personality as well as to reappraise some aspects of his political thinking. Throughout the semester, we will interrogate a wide variety of primary sources, including literary texts, letters, paintings, and musical pieces. Moreover, we will read selected secondary sources that will facilitate our dialogue with the primary materials and enable us to take into account additional queries. In order to reach the learning objectives set for the course, students will have the possibility to engage in an array of oral, written, and multimodal assignments. There are no prerequisites for this course. Students are welcome to read sources in the original language if they wish to do so; however, no knowledge of Italian is required

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

This seminar examines the many meanings of fashion, design, and style; how values underlying fashion are selected, preserved, denied, reinvented or rethought; how the symbolic meanings and ideological interpretations are connected to creation, production and consumption of fashion goods. Based on an anthropological perspective and framework, this interdisciplinary course will analyze ways in which we can understand fashion through the intersections of many different levels: political, economic, aesthetic, symbolic, religious, etc. The course will study how fashion can help us understand the ways in which tradition and innovation, creativity and technology, localism and globalization, identity and diversity, power and body, are elaborated and interpreted in contemporary society, and in relation to a globalized world. Short videos that can be watched on the computer will be assigned. There are no pre-requisites for this course. In English

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu

Prerequisites: the faculty advisers permission. Senior thesis or tutorial project consisting of independent scholarly work in an area of study of the student’s choosing, under the supervision of a member of the faculty

Subject

ITAL UN

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

points

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Bulletin

Source

bulletin.columbia.edu