Beginning students may enroll in one of two introductory language sequences: Italian 101/102, for students with no previous experience in a Romance language, and Italian 106/107, for students with at least four years of high school French or Spanish or three semesters of college French or Spanish.

Both courses approach the study of Italian language and culture through the use of authentic materials, including a variety of visual media, and the latest language-learning technology.

Their advanced language courses help students pursue their mastery of Italian grammar and build the foundation for literary analysis through creative and argumentative writing about Italian novels, short stories, poetry, and plays.

Their literature surveys introduce students to Italian classics from the Middle Ages through the modern period.

Their topics seminars address aspects of Italian culture over time, and include such subjects as Rome, Italian cinema, and the history of Italian theater.

Their advanced seminars offer in-depth study of individual authors (Boccaccio, Ariosto, Machiavelli), or look at broader topics of Italian literature and culture (the Enlightenment, women authors, the mystery novel, the Sicilian novel since the Unification).

Washington University Italian students enjoy additional study and research opportunities outside of the classroom, both on campus and abroad. Italo, a student-run organization for the promotion of Italian culture, holds regular events throughout the semester. We also host a regular Tavola Italiana during the semester, at which you can enjoy an Italian snack and chat in Italian with friends and faculty members.