Italian Courses

Nazareth University offers undergraduate credit courses as well as non-credit classes in the study of the Italian language. Advanced students travel abroad to further their studies at universities in Italy. If you are a beginner, try a non-credit course where you progress at your own pace.

Please give a look at our Children's Programs for our class offerings for children.

Spring 2026 Non-credit Enrichment Courses

Courses start the week of February 1st and will end the week of April 26th. No classes will be held the week of Easter (April 5th). Classes are held once a week for two hours (6 - 8 PM).

Checks can be made payable to: Frank Di Mino Casa Italiana, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618

Evening course pricing:

Casa Members: $290 per course

Non Members: $345 per course

Which course is right for me? If you have questions about placement, please email Dr. Carota, jcarota3@naz.edu

Undergraduate course alumni discount:

Are you a Naz alum? Nazareth offers a special alumni rate of $125 per undergraduate (morning/afternoon) course, plus a $25 registration fee, to audit select classes. For more information contact Dr. Carota.

Level I - Lambert, Wednesdays, 6 - 8PM, Casa Italiana

This course is designed for true beginners, those with no previous knowledge of Italian. The goal of this course is to enable students to acquire a basic mastery of the following five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and intercultural competence. The course will emphasize practice of grammar and communication skills in the classroom.

Level II - Lambert, Mondays, 6 - 8PM, Casa Italiana

This course is a continuation from Livello I, designed for individuals who are familiar with the basics of the Italian language. The goal of this course is to enable students to acquire an intermediate (low) mastery of the following skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and intercultural competence.

Level IV - Morano, Tuesdays, 6 - 8PM, Casa Italiana

This course is designed for students who have advanced experience and practice in the Italian language. The goal of this course is a continuation of mastery of the five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and intercultural competence.

Level V Italian Literature - Dr. Vitti-Alexander, Thursdays, 6 - 8PM, ZOOM

This course provides a comprehensive study of major Italian literary works across different historical periods. A new author will be introduced every semester. Their work(s) will be presented within their cultural and historical contexts, often with a focus on themes like love, politics, social commentary, and the human condition, while considering the evolution of the Italian language and literary forms. Readings may be in Italian, in English translation or in both depending on the author. Spring 2026 book: La ragazza di Bube, by Carlo Cassola, Einaudi version

Italian for Travelers - Speciale, Thursdays, 6 - 8PM, Casa Italiana

This course is meant specifically for students who would like to go abroad to Italy at some point in the future. The content included in this course requires much speaking and pronunciation practice. Prerequisites: Italian Level I or equivalent proficiency.

Level III Conversational Italian - Stio, Fridays, 6 - 8PM, Casa Italiana

This non-credit enrichment course is designed for adult learners who want to build confidence and fluency in spoken Italian through active participation and conversation practice. Meeting once a week over twelve weeks, the course emphasizes practical communication skills using the present and past tenses. Students will engage in dialogues and activities focused on everyday topics such as personal information, family, daily routines, food and drink, weather, and Italian customs. Prerequisite: Italian Level II proficiency or equivalent. To be assessed by instructor within the first week of class.

Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Accurately produce clear, grammatically correct sentences in Italian.
Use present and past tense forms (presente and passato prossimo) in basic conversation.
Respond appropriately to questions on familiar topics including personal background, family, food, weather, and daily life.
Demonstrate an understanding of key Italian cultural traditions and celebrations.