Conversation is a central part. Conversational practice improves listening and interpretation skills for better understanding and response. Reading and writing exercises improve skills in understanding prose and writing letters and simple messages. Admission to the course is based on testing in Italian. Three or four semesters of Italian.
Exercises reinforce reading, composition, phonetics, syntax and style.
Conversational practice continues. Admission is based on testing in Italian. Introductory lectures are given in Siena and Florence prior to these trips. Students are accompanied by an art history professor and at least one other professor who lecture on course-related topics and events marking the artistic, social and political development of Italian society. A paper in art history is required to receive credit.