Program Structure
You will strengthen your Italian knowledge using Nuovo Espresso 6 and reading an Italian novel chosen by your teacher. Your Italian will get stronger, perfectioning your grammar knowledge and your reading skills.
You’ll explore the most significant works from the origins of Italian literature to the present day, discovering prominent authors and gaining valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped Italy’s literary movements and genres.
From Dante Alighieri and Boccaccio to modern voices like Dacia Maraini and Elena Ferrante, you’ll be introduced to Italy’s major literary figures.
Lessons are organized into 4-hour blocks (equivalent to two classes), each focusing on a specific historical period in Italian history. You can choose to enroll in the full 24-lesson program or select individual blocks to focus on the periods that interest you most.
If you opt for the comprehensive package of 24 lessons or choose a more tailored option with a package of 12 lessons that align with your preferences. For personalized 12 or 24-class packages at a discounted rate, kindly reach out to us at italianschool@sfiis.org.
Alternatively, you can enroll in individual regions from the list provided below.
Join us for an exclusive 3-week advanced reading group starting May 15, where we will delve into “Accabadora“ by Michela Murgia.
Guided by our experienced instructor, Martina, you’ll engage in in-depth discussions to explore the themes, characters, and cultural context of Accabadora, deepening your understanding of both the Italian language and Sardinian heritage.
In a small Sardinian village, young Maria is taken in by the mysterious Bonaria Urrai, an elderly seamstress who offers her a home and future. As their bond deepens, Maria begins to sense the secrets behind Bonaria’s quiet life — including her role as the village’s accabadora, a woman who brings merciful death to the suffering. Accabadora is a powerful story about unconventional motherhood, compassion, and the delicate boundary between life and death.
2 hours of reading, speaking and conversation at an advanced level, to enjoy speaking Italian as if you were having a cup of coffee with your Italian friends.
Mattia will help students to achieve the goal of reading, speaking and having a conversation about an Italian book.
In the Spring Term, we will be reading “Alma” by Federica Manzon, a compelling novel that explores themes of identity, youth, and the search for belonging. Set between Italy and Eastern Europe, Alma delves into the complexities of personal growth and cultural contrasts, offering rich material for discussion and language practice.
A series of 10 classes, 2 hours each, dedicated to studying, reading, and discussing one of the most significant works of Italian literature.
In the Spring Term, the group will focus on “La lunga vita di Marianna Ucrìa” by Dacia Maraini, a powerful historical novel that transports readers to 18th-century Sicily.
The story follows Marianna, a noblewoman who is deaf and mute, yet possesses an extraordinary inner voice and intellectual depth. Through her perspective, the novel explores themes of resilience, female empowerment, and the constraints of societal norms.
Under Mattia’s guidance, you will discover this captivating literary masterpiece, engaging in discussions that bring its themes, language, and historical context to life.
Gianna will guide you on a journey of discovery through Italy, with each Term focusing on a different region or area of the country.
Through the pages of a carefully selected novel, along with short videos and discussions, you’ll explore Italy’s culture, traditions, and contemporary issues, all while improving your Italian language skills. The course encourages conversation and analysis, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience.
In addition to reading and discussion, you’ll also review key grammar topics, using the book and videos as a springboard for natural, engaging conversation.
In the Spring Term the focus will be on Emilia Romagna with the book “Bell’abissina. Un’indagine del commissario Marino” by Carlo Lucarelli. This historical noir novel takes place in Cattolica, where Commissioner Marino, operating under the alias “Locàrd,” investigates a series of murders linked to the powerful Brandimarzio family, which has deep connections to the Fascist regime.
Mastering Italian phonetics is the key to achieving a truly authentic accent and boosting your confidence in spoken Italian. Barbara will guide you through the nuances of Italian sounds, pronunciation, and intonation patterns that make the language so musical and distinctive.
In this course, you’ll not only learn how to pronounce words correctly, but also gain a deeper understanding of the rhythm, stress, and melody unique to Italian. Through engaging lessons, practical exercises, and personalized feedback, you’ll develop a keen ear for Italian phonetics, equipping you to understand native speakers more easily and express yourself with precision and clarity.
There will 2 different classes, divided by level:
- Level 1 – Friday 12:00pm – 1:00pm PST: for students who are starting now to approach the Italian phonetics.
- Level 2 – Friday 1:00pm – 2:00pm PST: for students who already attended the Italian phonetics Level 1 classes in the Winter Term.
A 10$ nonrefundable registration fee will be automatically added at checkout.
Books are not included in the enrollment price.
DISCOUNTS
BRING A FRIEND: If you enroll with a friend (new to IIS), you both get a 10% discount
ENROLL IN 2 GROUPS: if you enroll in 2 groups in the same Term, you will get a 15% discount on the second group's enrollment (the less expensive)
PRIVATE CLASSES: if you are enrolled in a group, you can purchase private classes with a 10% discount
BULK REGISTRATION: if you enroll in 2 or more Terms at the same time, you will not pay the $10 registration fee and will get an additional 10% discount
To get these discounts, send an email to italianschool@sfiis.org
