Italian Studies Courses
| NOTE: Students with an adequate knowledge
of Italian may substitute for the language courses and
half-course in the First and Second years another course
or half-course, subject to the permission of the Department.
The Department reserves the right to place students in the language course appropriate to their level of language skill. |
Guidelines for the selection of first-year courses:
ITA152Y: for students who have completed OAC/4U Italian at the high school level or equivalent.
ITA101Y: for students who have some passive knowledge of Italian (or an Italian dialect) or some secondary school training in Italian (but not at the senior level OAC/4U).
ITA100Y: for students who have neither passive knowledge nor any secondary school training in Italian.
ITA100Y1 Italian Language for Beginners
An introduction to the main elements of the Italian language. The development of speaking, reading, and writing skills. Introduction to linguistic analysis of literary prose excerpts.
Exclusion: Grade 10 Italian/ITA101Y/110Y/(133H,134H)/152Y (Not open to students with a knowledge, however passive, of Italian or an Italian dialect)
ITA101Y1 Elementary Italian Language
Main elements of Italian grammar for students who have some passive knowledge of Italian or an Italian dialect or some secondary school training in Italian (but not at the senior OAC/4U level). Introduction to linguistic analysis of literary prose.
Exclusion: OAC/4U Italian/ ITA100Y/110Y/(133H, 134H)/152Y
ITA102Y1 Practical Italian
A course specifically designed for students who wish to take Italian as a breadth
requirement. Emphasis will be given to basic aspects of communication in a
functional context. This course cannot be used towards any Minor, Major or Specialist program in Italian.
Exclusion: 4U Italian or any previous university level Italian language course
ITA135Y0 Conversation and Culture: An Introduction to Italian
The course is designed to introduce students to Italian grammar and develop
basic oral and comprehension skills. Elements of Italian culture, past and present, will also be examined in the context of language and communication. To select the appropriate second-year follow-up course, students are asked to contact the Undergraduate Coordinator. (Offered in Siena only.)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA152Y1 Language Practice
A review of grammar, the writing of short compositions, and oral practice.
Linguistic analysis based on readings of contemporary literary texts.
Exclusion: ITA100Y/101Y/110Y/(133H, 134H)
Prerequisite: Italian OAC/ 4 U or permission of Department.
ITA210Y1 Contemporary Italy
An analysis of literary, social and artistic movements, whose aim is to better understand the conditions that prevail in modern Italy. (Given in English)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA220H1 Introduction to Italian Literature: Prose
Reading of selections of Italian prose works, with emphasis on linguistic and stylistic features. Texts to be read in Italian; both English and Italian will be used as language of instruction, as appropriate.
Prerequisite: ITA100Y/101Y/152Y
ITA221H1 Introduction to Italian Literature: Poetry
Reading of selections of Italian poetry, with emphasis on linguistic and stylistic features. Texts to be read in Italian; both English and Italian will be used as language of instruction, as appropriate.
Prerequisite: ITA100Y/101Y/152Y
JFI225Y1 Second Language Learning
A theoretical and practical consideration of the ways we learn a second language, with a historical overview and critical evaluation of the various methodologies that have been developed; the role of cultural studies in language learning, practical evaluation and development of syllabus, course and textbook materials.
Prerequisite: FSL161Y(73%)/181Y/ITA100Y/101Y/102Y/110Y/(133H, 134H) (all with a minimum of 73%)/152Y
ITA233Y1 Ethnicity and Mainstream: Italian Canadian Culture
An examination of the Italian presence in Canada from the time of John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) to the present through an analysis of literary and other texts and a consideration of sociological and linguistic phenomena. (Given in English).
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA235Y0 Conversation and Culture: Intermediate Italian. Intensive Oral Practice
The course is designed to enhance students’ oral proficiency in Italian, improve listening and reading comprehension and develop a broad lexical base for more effective communicating skills. Elements of Italian culture are also examined in the context of language and communication through a series of topical readings which form the basis of discussion. (Offered in Siena only)
Exclusion: Ita252Y (and/or higher)
Prerequisite: Ita100Y101Y/102Y/(133H,134H)/135Y/152Y or permission of Department.
ITA240Y1 Italian Cinema
An overview of Italian cinema from its early days to the present, which also offers a survey of Italian 20th -century history and culture. The course features films by masters Rossellini, DeSica, Fellini, Antonioni, Bertolucci, Pasolini and works by younger filmmakers, such as Academy Award winners Tornatore, Salvatores and Benigni. (The course is given in English and all films shown have English subtitles.)
ITA245Y1 Italian Culture and Civilization
The main elements of Italian civilization from the time of Dante until the present in literature, art, and thought with reference to political history where appropriate. (Given in English)
Exclusion: ITA246H/247H/248Y/(356/357Y)/(358/59Y)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA249H1 Italians in China: From Marco Polo to Matteo Ricci
The course focuses on two historical encounters of Italian civilization with imperial China: One made possible by the immensely popular book, Il Milione, an account of several years of Asian travels by the Venetian merchant Marco Polo (1245-1324), the other by the writings by Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) and other Jesuits, Catholic Missionaries. (Given in English)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA250Y1 Intermediate Italian
Grammar review, readings of Italian authors and oral practice to enhance comprehension and expressive skills.
Exclusion: ITA152Y/251Y/252Y (Not open to students with a knowledge of an Italian dialect)
Prerequisite: ITA100Y/102Y/(133H, 134H)
ITA251Y1 Intermediate Italian II
A review of Italian grammar, readings of Italian authors and one hour of oral practice.
Exclusion: ITA152Y/250Y/252Y
Prerequisite: ITA101Y/110Y/(133H,134H) or familiarity with an Italian dialect.
ITA252Y1 Written and Oral Expression in Italian
A study of fundamental grammatical structures with special emphasis on vocabulary and syntax. Some attention is paid to stylistics. Linguistic
analysis of literary texts. One hour a week is devoted to oral practice.
Exclusion: ITA250Y/251Y
Prerequisite: ITA152Y
ITA271Y1 Translating and Interpreting I
An introduction to the problems of translation from English into Italian. Specific treatment of common difficulties and extensive exercises.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA299Y1 Research Opportunity Program
Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See appropriate pages in the St. George Undergraduate Calendar 2009-2010.
ITA300H1 History of Italian Literature: Middle Ages and Renaissance
This course provides a comprehensive view of Italian literature from its beginnings to the Renaissance, by focusing on the major authors.
Exclusion : ITA300Y
Prerequisite: ITA 250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA301H1 History of Italian Literature: Baroque to Contemporary
This course provides a comprehensive view of Italian literature from the Baroque period to the present day, by focusing on the major authors.
Exclusion : ITA300Y
Prerequisite: ITA 250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA310H1 The ‘Journey’ in the 19th Century
The course illustrates Italy’s contribution to the history of the trope during a time when countries became increasingly interdependent and conscious of each other’s cultures. Through literary and social analysis the course traces the most vital aspects of the journey motif. (Given in English)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA311H1 Mediaeval Italian Literature in Translation: Dante
A study of the Vita Nuova and of the Divine Comedy within the literary and cultural context of the Middle Ages.
Exclusion: ITA 320Y/321Y/320H/321H
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA312H1 Mediaeval Italian Literature in Translation: Petrarch and Boccaccio
A study of Petrarch’s Canzoniere and of Boccaccio’s Decameron considered in relation to the later Middle Ages.
Exclusion: ITA325H/427H
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA320H1 Dante: Vita Nuova and Divina Commedia (Inferno)
Dante’s poetry and great Christian epic of conversion explode with the passions of this world. This course focuses on intertextual and rhetorical strategies used to fashion his complex vision of contemporary society within the framework of providential history.
Exclusion: ITA311H/320Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA321H1 Dante: Divina Commedia (Purgatorio and Paradiso)
A continuation of ITA320H, this course examines the Purgatorio and the Paradiso in the context of Dante’s vision of contemporary society.
Exclusion: ITA311H/320Y
Prerequisite: ITA320H
ITA325H1 Themes and Forms of the Lyric Tradition from Petrarch to Tasso
A comprehensive view of the Italian lyric tradition focusing on the on the distinctive elements of the genre, from the establishment of the canon with Petrarch to its amplification with Tasso.
Exclusion : ITA325Y/312H
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA326H1 Themes and Forms of the Lyric Tradition from Late Renaissance to 20th Century
A chronological review of the forms and themes of the lyric tradition from Marino, who revised the genre inherited from the Petrarchists and Tasso, to the numerous variations of the genre culminating in the love poetry of D’Annunzio.
Exclusion : ITA325Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA330H1 The Christian ‘Epic’: Manzoni and the 19th Century
Italy’s foremost writers’ conscious attempt to write the great representative (“epic”) work of their age: this course explores their struggle to find the appropriate language, style, and genre to express their vision of history within the embrace of providence.
Exclusion : ITA330Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA332H1 Love in the Renaissance
An exploration of the theme of love in the Renaissance and its development in
a variety of literary forms. Analysis of treatises, poetry, short stories and letters with the purpose of examining intertextuality and the practice of imitation, as well as the social and political aspects of love, such as marriage, women’s position in society, homosexuality and other issues. (Given in English)
Exclusion: ITA345H
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
TA334H1 Italian Canadian Literature I: Life in the New World
Works by first- and second-generation authors of Italian background. Among the themes explored: Italians as “pioneers”, the Italian perception of Canada,
and the immigrant experience, the immigrants’ encounter with a new world, their sense of discovery and the process of cultural adaptation. (Texts
available in both Italian and English.) (Given in English).
ITA340H1 Italian Neorealist Cinema I
An analysis of the neorealist period in Italian cinema, and its relation to the political and social climate of post-war Italy. Screenings include selections
from the major exponents of Italian neorealism: Rossellini, DeSica and
Visconti, among others. (Given in English)
Exclusion: ITA340Y
ITA341H1 Italian Neorealist Cinema II
The evolution of Italian cinematic neorealism and its historical heritage is examined in the early films of Fellini, Antonioni, Pasolini and others. (Given
in English). Exclusion: ITA340Y
Prerequisite: ITA340H or permission of Department.
ITA343H1 Language Practice I
For students who have completed ITA250Y1. Discussion of problems of grammar and composition with special emphasis on the noun phrase. Language analysis based on readings of Italian authors. One hour a week of oral practice.
Exclusion: ITA252Y/350Y/351Y/352Y/(354H,355H)/(364H,365H)
Prerequisite: ITA250Y
ITA344H1 Language Practice II
Discussion of problems of grammar and composition with special emphasis on the verb phrase. Language analysis based on readings of Italian authors. One hour a week of oral practice.
Exclusion: ITA252Y/350Y/351Y(354H,355H)/(/352Y(364H,365H)
Prerequisite: ITA343H
ITA346H1 Monsters and Marvels in Italian Modernist Literature
In this course we will consider how in nineteenth- and twentieth- century literature, fantastic and monstrous figures reflect the anxieties of the modern subject over the social, economic and existential transformations wrought by modernity. The course may include works by Tarchetti, Arrigo Boito, Capuana, Marinetti, Rosà, Bontempelli, Pirandello, Savinio, and Landolfi.
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA347H1 Studies in Italian Cinema
This course focuses on issues of “genre” and “authorship” in the context of a general discussion of Italian film-making as a national and popular tradition.
Exclusion: ITA342Y
Recommended preparation : ITA240Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA354H1 Language Practice
For students who have completed ITA251Y1. Discussion of problems of grammar, style, and composition with special emphasis on the noun and its derivatives. Language analysis based on readings of Italian authors. One hour a week of oral practice.
Exclusion: 252Y/350Y(343H,344H)//351Y/352Y(364H,365H)
Prerequisite: ITA251Y
ITA355H1 Language Practice
Discussion of problems of grammar, style, and syntax. Language analysis based on readings of Italian authors. One hour a week of oral practice.
Exclusion: 252Y/350Y(343H,344H)//351Y/352Y(364H,365H)
Prerequisite: ITA354H
ITA356/357YO Italian Culture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
A survey of artists, writers and thinkers from the time of Dante to the daysof Leonardo. During field trips, the streets, squares, churches and palazzi of many cities serve as living laboratories for a discussion of the topography of mediaeval and Renaissance cities. (Offered in Siena only)
Exclusion: ITA245Y/246H/248Y
ITA356YO: this course is taught in English and is open to students from other disciplines.
ITA357YO: Students who wish to petition the Department for credit towards
a Specialist or Major in Italian will be required to do the readings in Italian.
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA358/359YO Modern Italian Culture
Analysis of a selection of philosophical, artistic, musical and literary works
from the age of the Baroque to the present. The main topics of discussion include: Romanticism, Italian unification, theatre, opera, Futurism, fascism, Neorealism, regional differences and industrialization. Field trips and
screening of films included. (Offered in Siena only)
Exclusion: ITA245Y/247H/248Y
ITA358YO: this course is taught in English and is open to students from other disciplines.
ITA359YO: Students who wish to petition the Department for credit towards a Specialist or Major in Italian will be required to do the readings in Italian.
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA360H1 Italian Linguistics
For students having a knowledge of Italian and/or Italian dialects but no background in linguistics. Concepts of general linguistics. Italy as a linguistic entity. The structure of contemporary Italian, with special regard to its sound system and grammatical categories. (Given in English)
ITA361H1 Aspects of Italian Descriptive and Applied Linguistics
This course deals primarily with morphological, syntactic and semantic analysis, but also discusses the educational uses of linguistics.
Prerequisite: ITA360H
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA363H1 Italian Sociolinguistics
Starting with a survey of the sociolinguistic situation in Italy before Unification, this course deals with the complex relationship between regional languages and dialects on the one hand and Common Italian on the other. The recent rise of regional variants of Italian and its impact on the dialects are also discussed.
Prerequisite: A250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA364H1 Advanced Language Practice I
Analysis and discussion of vocabulary and syntax with special emphasis on the noun phrase and Italian word derivation. Reading and linguistic analysis of selected Italian literary texts from the Middle Ages to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on individual stylistic problems.
Exclusion: ITA350Y(343H,344H)//351Y(354H,355H)/352Y
Prerequisite: ITA252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA365H1 Advanced Language Practice II
Analysis and discussion of vocabulary and syntax with special emphasis on the verb phrase and other syntactic structures. Reading and linguistic analysis of selected Italian literary texts from the Middle Ages to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on individual stylistic problems.
Exclusion: ITA350Y(343H,344H)/351Y(354H,355H)/352Y
Prerequisite: ITA364H
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA370H1 Power and Success in the Renaissance
Concepts of power and strategies for success in Renaissance texts including Machiavelli’s Il principe and Castiglione’s Il libro del cortegiano.
Exclusion : ITA370Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA371H1 Translating and Interpreting II
A course designed for advanced students. Written translation of a variety of non-technical texts from English into Italian and Italian into English.
Exclusion: ITA371Y
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA372H1 Translating and Interpreting III
A course designed for advanced students. Written translation of a variety of non-technical texts from English into Italian and Italian into English.
Exclusion: ITA371Y
Prerequisite: ITA371H or permission of Department
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA381H1 Topics in Modern and Contemporary Literature
Focusing on compelling themes arising from critical and theoretical debates in 20th-century culture, this course analyzes poetic, narrative and dramatic works by major Italian modern and contemporary authors.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA390H1 The Commedia dell’Arte
A study of the conventions of the Commedia dell’Arte tradition in the contextof its performance history from the late Renaissance to the present. Issues examined include acting techniques, improvisation, masks and costumes, iconography and adaptation to film. (Given in English)
ITA395YO Special Topics in Italian Studies
The area of concentration will depend upon the instructor teaching the course
in any given year. (Offered only during the summer through the Summer
Abroad Program.)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA405H1 19th-Century Italian Poetry
Centred around the poetic production of Leopardi, Pascoli, and D’Annunzio, the course explores the main literary, artistic and socio-political issues that characterize Italy’s cultural contribution within the context of the romantic movements in Europe.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA409H1 Masterpieces of Medieval and Renaissance Drama
This course examines the impact of the theatrical works of Feo Belcari, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Machiavelli, Ariosto and others in the development of theatre in 15th and 16th century Italy.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA410H1 Masterpieces of Modern Drama
An analysis of the most representative works of 20th-century Italian dramatists, from Pirandello to Fabbri to Fo.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA415H1 Drama in Performance
An in-depth study of two plays, one of which is studied in the context of its production history and against the background of contemporary performance theory and theatre technology, while the other is examined from the dramaturgical perspective of current theatre practice and in the context of
modern theories of directing. (Given in English)
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA420H1 Spinning a Tale: The Italian Short Story from Boccaccio to Basile
The short story genre and its development from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. In addition to Boccaccio’s tales, included are some of the most famous stories of Western literature, which later inspired masterpieces in all art forms, such as Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and Puss in Boots.
Exclusion: ITA421Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2009-2010 academic session)
ITA421H1 Spinning a Tale : The Italian Short Story after 1800
The short story genre and its development from 1800 to the present. Authors to include Pratesi, Verga, Negri, Landolfi.
Exclusion: ITA421Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA430H1 History of the Italian Language
The historical formation of the Italian language and of its dialects. Historical phonology and morphology, and problems of syntax and lexicon. Reading and linguistic analysis of early Italian texts.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA436H1 Man and Society from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment
A study of the different concepts of man and his place in society, as exemplified in Italian literature from the late 15th to the 18th century.
Exclusion : ITA436Y
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA441H1 Italian Novel into Film: Aspects of Cinematic Adaption An analysis of the process of adaptation in an exploration of the ideological and narratological perspectives as well as the stylistic elements of literary and cinematic discourse. Selections include novels by Verga, Tomasi di Lampedusa, Moravia, Bassani and their filmic adaptations by directors such as Visconti, De Sica, Bertolucci.
Recommended preparation: One of ITA240/340Y/347H/381Y .
Knowledge of Italian recommended.
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA451H1 Advanced Composition and Stylistics
A study of the more complex areas of Italian syntax, stylistics and semantics. Discussion of problems and difficulties relating to syntax, vocabulary and style as they arise from individual compositions or essays. Reading and linguistic analysis of selected Italian literary texts.
Prerequisite: I TA350Y(343H,344H)/351Y(354H,355H)/352Y
(364H,365H)
Exclusion : ITA450Y/451Y/452Y
ITA452H1 Advanced Composition and Stylistics II
A continuation of the study of the more complex areas of Italian syntax, stylistics and semantics. Discussion of problems and difficulties relating to syntax, vocabulary and style as they arise from individual compositions or essays. Reading and linguistic analysis of selected Italian literary texts.
Exclusion : ITA450Y/451Y/452Y
Prerequisite: I TA451H
ITA455H1 Women Writers in Italy
Cultural movements and feminist issues as reflected in the writings of various periods.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA470H1 Galileo and the Scientific Revolution in Renaissance Italy
Focusing on Galileo Galilei, this course examines the development of the language of science in Renaissance Italy using a variety of tools such as literary and scientific texts, overheads, multimedia programs, and the Internet.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA471H1 Translating IV
Written translation of literary, administrative, business, and semi-technical texts from English into Italian and Italian into English.
Exclusion: ITA471Y
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
ITA472H1 Translating V
Written translation of literary, administrative, business, and semi-technical texts from English into Italian and Italian into English.
Exclusion: ITA471Y
Prerequisite: ITA471H or permission of Department
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA475H Literature and Desire
This course traces the development of erotic discourse in Italian culture. Course material is drawn from poetry, prose, and plays on love, focusing both on the literary and psychoanalytic language of love.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA 489H Independent Studies
An opportunity to pursue at the 400-level an independent course of study not otherwise available. A written proposal, co-signed by the instructor, must be submitted on the appropriate proposal form for approval by the Department of Italian Studies.
Application deadline: April 30 for F courses, November 30 for S courses.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department.
ITA 490Y Independent Studies
In exceptional circumstances, students may request to pursue at the 400-level an independent course of study not otherwise available. A written proposal, co-signed by the instructor, must be submitted on the appropriate proposal form for approval by the Department of Italian Studies. Application deadline: April 30.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department.
ITA491H1 Topics in Contemporary Fiction
This course traces the debate on the relationship between writing and reality in contemporary fiction from the early 20th century to neo-realism and post-modernism. Texts studied are by such prominent writers as Pirandello, Svevo, Gadda, Vittorini, Calvino, Morante, and Eco.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
ITA492H1 What Is a Poet? The Roles and Functions of Poetry in Twentieth-Century Literature
What function can the aesthetic experience play in capitalist society? This course examines how, through irony, humour, pathos, lyricism, or detachment, twentieth century poets sought to provide an answer, and to renew the poetic tradition. The course may include works by Gozzano, Marinetti, Palazzeschi, Montale, Ungaretti, Luzi, Caproni, and Sanguineti.
Prerequisite: ITA250Y/251Y/252Y
(not offered in 2010-2011 academic session)
ITA493H1 Italian-Canadian Literature II: Identity and Voice
Critical investigation of works by Italian-Canadian authors, focusing on themes linked to the second-generation experience, such as intergenerational conflict, gender relations, the return journey, and the quest for identity. Special attention will be given to the most recent production, new narratives and artistic forms. (Texts available in Italian and English.)
Recommended preparation: One of ITA233Y/334H
ITA494H1 The Artist as Writer
Writings by Italian artists through the ages, including Michelangelo in the Renaissance.
Exclusion: ITA494Y
ITA 495H1 Directed Research
Based on a professor’s research project currently in progress, this course will enable an undergraduate student to play a useful role in the project while receiving concrete training in research. This course is mandatory for all students enrolled in the specialist’s program.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
ITA 496H1 Research Methods
This course, linked to the instructor’s research project, will provide training in a variety of research methods.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department