Italian Proficiency Camminando gli antichi sentieri in Italia Unit 3

This course is designed for proficient students (C1–C2 level) aiming to deepen their Italian language skills while exploring Italy’s rich history, culture, and art. Focusing on Rome, the course examines tales of the Eternal City, its portrayal in literature and cinema, offering insights into its historical evolution, societal dynamics, and artistic heritage. Literary texts may include short stories from Alberto Moravia’s Racconti romani (Roman Tales), depicting post-war Roman life, and Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Ragazzi di vita, which offers vivid vignettes of Rome's marginalized communities in the 1950s and 60s. The film selection will feature Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960), a satirical portrayal of Rome's high society; Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza (2013), which delves into the city's artistic and existential depths; and William Wyler’s Vacanze Romane (1953), a romantic journey through Rome's iconic landmarks. Through the study of works by renowned authors and filmmakers, students will engage in discussions that enhance their linguistic abilities and cultural comprehension. By the end of the course, participants will have achieved greater fluency in Italian and gained a nuanced appreciation of Rome's role in shaping cultural narratives and its influence on both Italian identity and global culture.