Course Descriptions
ITAL 1, Elementary Italian I, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: None.
Using the communicative approach, this course stresses the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, practical vocabulary, useful phrases, and the ability to understand, speak, read, and write simple Italian. Using fundamental sentence structures in the present and past tenses, students practice speaking and holding simple conversations in class and writing compositions. Lectures and discussions are included covering geography, customs and culture in Italy. The course is conducted in Italian except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor. Language lab is required.
ITAL 2, Elementary Italian II, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities), Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: Italian 1*.
This course is a continuation of Italian 1 and completes the elementary grammar. The course stresses the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, practical vocabulary, useful phrases, and the ability to understand, speak, read, and write simple Italian. Using fundamental sentence structures in the present and past tenses, students practice speaking and holding simple conversations in class and writing compositions. The course includes the reading of simplified texts with emphasis on oral expression and further study of Italian history and culture. The course is conducted in Italian, except in the case of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor. Language lab is required.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to two years of high school Italian.
ITAL 3, Intermediate Italian I, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: Italian 2*.
This course is a review of Italian grammar with special emphasis on idiomatic constructions and expressions. It includes the study and reading, in and out of class, of selected passages from Italian literature. Basic literary analysis and vocabulary building are developed using the selected readings. Emphasis is also placed on the use of learned structures in compositions. This course is conducted in Italian except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to three years of high school Italian.
ITAL 4, Intermediate Italian 2, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: Italian 3*.
This course reviews and refines grammatical concepts covered in the previous levels and further explores other moods and tenses such as the compound tenses, the imperative mood and indirect discourse. Culture, literature, vocabulary enhancement, and conversation are core elements of the curriculum. The course increases awareness of the Italian culture, history, literature, geography, and customs, including socio-political practices and cultural artifacts through reading and writing assignments, as well as oral presentations. It is taught in Italian except in cases of extreme difficulty as determined by the professor. It prepares students for literature and civilization classes.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to four years of high school Italian.
ITAL 8, Conversational Italian, 2 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • Prerequisite: Italian 2
This course provides an opportunity to acquire intermediate fluency in spoken Italian with emphasis on natural, colloquial usage. New vocabulary and idiomatic phrases will be emphasized, and the students will hold conversations in Italian during each class. This course is conducted in Italian except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Currently, there are no degrees or certificates offered in this discipline at Santa Monica College. Most students should plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education toward a degree in this discipline. Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should discuss their plans with a Counselor before selecting classes.