Italian civilization needs no presentation, as its present and past artistic, poetic and cultural achievements passionately engage with the major questions of today’s world. Italy boasts the largest number of UNESCO sites: from Roman and Greek heritage to Medieval architecture, from the stunning achievements of the Renaissance to the the charm of its cinema. Italy’s controversial modern politics and its history of a migrating nation all contribute to the allure of a civiltà that is not only the cradle of Western Civilization; but also a place of encounter for cultures, people and ideas. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean sea, Italy plays today a key role in the challenging negotiations between Europe, Africa and the Middle-East.
Italian at Bard
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Italian Studies ProgramThe Italian Studies program at Bard encompasses various disciplines: from literature to art, from political science and history to music, students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Italian culture and study it in a broader transnational context.
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Language SupportBard College offers a variety of valuable Italian language resources for students, faculty, and staff.
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Study AbroadBard College offers a number of study abroad opportunities for students. While some programs have a strong focus on basic language acquisition coupled with an intensive program abroad, other programs allow exploration in advanced liberal arts courses through affiliated or independent institutions.
Study Abroad
Bard College offers a number of study abroad opportunities for students. While some programs have a strong focus on basic language acquisition coupled with an intensive program abroad, other programs allow exploration in advanced liberal arts courses through affiliated or independent institutions.
Every Spring, the Italian Department offers an Intensive Language course (8 credits): students can subsequently spend one month in June at the Babilonia Italian Language School in Taormina, Sicily. At Babilonia, students can take classes of Italian language and culture while viewing the astonishing beauty of the Sicilian landscape, tasting the finest Italian food, sunbathing on the wonderful seaside or enjoying live music and theatre in the evocative Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina.
Contact: Franco Baldasso (baldasso@bard.edu)
Website: For more details, visit the Italian Studies Website.
Pre-Trip Requirements: In order to study abroad and receive full credit, students must submit a Petition for Study Abroad, which must be approved by the student’s academic advisor, the Study Abroad Adviser, and the Dean of Studies; full info here: https://www.bard.edu/bardabroad/bard/.
Beginning Italian Intensive Expand
The Beginning Italian Intensive (12 credits) consists of two integral parts:
1. Bard, Annandale: Spring Intensive (8 credits)
2. Taormina, Sicily—Babilonia Italian Language School: Summer Intensive (4 credits)Every year in June, the Italian Department offers an Intensive program for students at the Babilonia Italian Language School in Taormina,Sicily. The program is designed as an indivisible, one-year sequence and includes a semester of language study in the fall (4 credits); the Intersession Intensive Italian Program in Italy, an accelerated course in the spring, followed by the Intensive Italian Program in Italy in the summer.
At the Babilonia Italian Language School, students will be studying in a lively program that combines challenging academics with a wealth of extracurricular activities in and around Sicily. A major focus at Babilonia will be an intensive Italian language class, which will meet every day for three hours (Monday through Friday), providing a robust and energetic language training.
Students will also be exposed to the study of Italian art, cinema, and literature. All courses are taught in Italian, by experienced Italian academics based in Taormina.
Pre-Trip Course Requirements:
Spring Semester
ITAL 106: Intensive Italian (12 credits)
This beginning course is designed for the student with little or no prior exposure to Italian. The course will cover the major topics of grammar and give intensive practice in the four skills (speaking, comprehension, reading and writing). The grammar textbook will be supplemented by traditional homework exercises and a variety of multimedia work. Student must also enroll in a required weekly tutorial to practice oral skills with native speaker of Italian. The course is designed as an indivisible sequence and includes a semester of language study on campus (in the Spring), 8 credits, and a 4-week session in Italy, in June, 4 credits. Class size: 22
Contact: Franco Baldasso (baldasso@bard.edu)
Next Program: June 2016
Semester Abroad Expand
For more details, contact Professor Franco Baldasso.
Università degli Studi di Bologna
In collaboration with the ECCO Program, Bard College also offers the opportunity to study a semester or a year in Italy at the Università degli Studi di Bologna. Students will have the chance to critically improve their language skills as well as be able take courses in their field of specialization in Italian in one of the most thriving and prestigious academic environments of Europe. Università di Bologna is, in fact, the oldest University of the Western World, as it was founded in 1088.
Italian Language Resources
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Italian Language Dictionaries
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Placement Tests and Practice Exams
Placement Tests and Practice Exams
The following resources will help you determine your language level, practice for exams, or understand the certificates you need to attend Italian Colleges and Universities.Most exams to apply to undergraduate or graduate schools are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—the international standard for describing language ability. Find out what level you are or need to have.
Language Proficiency
ILUSS Italian Online
The ILUSS website offers both quick and in-depth tests for Italian-learners to explore. The quick tests briefly gage grammar level while the in-depth test includes grammar, reading, listening, and vocabulary.
Transparent Language Italian Proficiency Test
A proficiency test broken into four parts: two grammar sections, one vocabulary section and one reading comprehension section. This is a good follow-up to simpler tests that focus only on grammar.
University of Oxford Placement Test
This placement test is a quick and easy way to test your proficiency in Italian through grammar knowledge.
Practice Exams
Heinle Cengage Learning Center
This website provides several practice tests for each chapter of the Oggi In Italia textbook that students of Intensive and Intermediate Italian will use to learn the language. Other helpful guides are also available for each chapter.
Levels: A1–B2
Italian Language Test
This site offers tests for beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of Italian. Varying tests within each proficiency level are offered as well: grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Levels: A1–C2 -
Resources for All Language Learners
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Resources for Advanced Language Learners
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Resources for Faculty and Tutors