Language classes are approximately 10 weeks in length and meet for a total of 120 contact hours.   Language classes will be held weekday mornings.  On the first day of class students will take a placement exam and be enrolled in the appropriate level language course.  There are four language levels offered including preparatory, intermediate, advanced-intermediate, and advanced.  All levels are designed to develop grammar, conversation, and vocabulary skills.  There will be a final exam for all levels at the conclusion of the course.  Students may receive up to 8 semester units or 12 quarter credits for the completion of the language portion of the program.  Though no language requirement exists, it is recommended that students have taken at least one semester or quarter of college level Italian before enrolling in the quarter programs.   

Optional Culture Courses

Students also have the opportunity to attend various Italian culture classes throughout the 10 week course.  All culture courses will be taught in Italian and will be held following the language classes.  It is recommended that students have previously studied Italian before enrolling in these classes.  Students may receive one semester credit by completing each cultural course. Examples of courses include Italian Literature (16 lectures), Renaissance Art and Culture (16 lectures) and History of Art (16 lectures).  GSE students may also attend numerous non-credit cultural courses offered at Centro di Cultura.  Some non-credit cultural courses include, Italian History, Italian Film, and History of Music.