Class Description
IIS is unique in the range of classes offered, from elementary to highly advanced. Currently, we offer:
This wide variety gives the students the opportunity to choose the class that best suits their needs and level of competence. We are happy to consult with students to answer any questions regarding placement. Go to Schedule for class time and dates.
Elementare
At the end of the elementary sessions, students will be able to read and talk about simple topics in the present, past, and future tenses. Classes include grammar instruction, as well as basic conversation and activities such as games and role-playing. As students progress, they may read level-appropriate short stories and listen to recorded materials and contemporary songs, developing their familiarity and comfort level with speaking and understanding the living language. Offered as both regular and intensive classes.
| Elementare 1 | Elementare 2 | Elementare 3 |
| Nouns
Adjectives Definite and Indefinite Articles Interrogative Pronouns Present Tense Present Tense Irregular Verbs Modal Verbs |
Preposition+Articles
There is/There are Present Perfect/Simple Past Future Tense Future Perfect |
Possessives
Imperfect Tense Past Perfect Direct Object Pronouns Direct Object Pronouns+Compound Tenses Irregular Adjectives “Bello” and “Quello” |
Intermedio
At the end of the intermediate sessions, students will be able to carry on a conversation on specific topics, as well as read short stories and articles. Students will broaden their knowledge of grammar, covering more complex verb tenses and syntax, preparing for the advanced level. Classes include work on language structure, as well as activities designed to develop students’ ability to comprehend, read, and speak Italian. Offered as both regular and intensive classes.
| Intermedio 1 | Intermedio 2 | Intermedio 3 | Intermedio 4 | Intermedio 5 |
| Reflexive Verbs
Simple and Past Conditional Indirect Object Pronouns Imperative (informal) |
Combined Pronouns
Pronouns+Compound Tenses Relative Pronouns Comparative and Superlative Adjectives “Stare”+Gerund “Stare per”+Gerund |
Simple Past
Present Subjunctive Pass Subjunctive Imperative (formal) |
Imperfect Subjunctive
Past Perfect Subjunctive “If” clauses “Ci” and “Ne” Passive Form |
Direct and Indirect Speech
Present and Past Participle Gerund Infinitive |
Intermedio Conversazione
Intermediate students practice conversational skills and comprehension. The goal is to achieve a greater comfort level while speaking. Students will read contemporary materials, act out real-life situations, and listen to dialogues and music, continuing to build on their grammar foundation. No grammar books are necessary.
Avanzato
Advanced classes, which progress from Avanzato to Perfezionamento to Certificazione, are designed for students who have completed or are familiar with the grammar topics covered in the Intermediate classes. Students who already speak well will perfect their grammar and improve their comprehension and conversation skills. Students will read and discuss literature, and converse about the cinema, art, and Italian news and current events. Thanks to the privilege of our affiliation with the Italian Cultural Institute, our students have had the opportunity to participate in exclusive book clubs and meet renowned Italian authors whose books have been read in class.
IIS offers a variety of advanced classes. Students should Contact us to determine which class is most appropriate.
Leggiamo Insieme
Students will read an Italian book by a classic or contemporary author. The book will serve as a topic for discussion on related issues and a deeper exploration of the Italian language and culture. For a list of books from previous classes, go to Books. Fluency is required.
