The smal class size gave students ample opportunities to improve their speaking and writing skills. Students also enjoyed learning about Italian culture and literature. Some students didn’t like the 161 ‘feelings’ theme of the units and thought there was too much homework. Suggestions for improvement included covering more grammar and having more in-depth studies of literature. Students should expect to do a lot of work and be prepared to speak up in class. The course will improve your Italian and is manageable as long as you stay on top of the work.

Students thought that the best aspect of this course was the heavy emphasis on discussion and conversation. Students liked their professor immensely and felt that he encouraged the students. The homework load was somewhat heavy, and the due dates for assignments were not well spread out throughout the semester, students said. Students recommended spending less time on daily work and more time on grammar review. Students also wanted more vocabulary to work with and a variety of topics to discuss. Prospective students should be comfortable with taking a course in an immersive setting and be prepared to discuss different topics in class conversations.

Students praised this course for giving them the opportunity to explore a range of Italian historical, literary and cultural concepts. Perceived issues with the course varied and included a belief from 177multiple students that the 14-person class was too big and should have been shrunk since the course was an advanced class. Suggestions for improvement varied although most students asked that the pace of the course be adjusted to take into account that students had differing levels of strength in Italian. Prospective students should know that students found it important to have a solid foundation in Italian and Italian grammar in particular.