The aims of the course are to extend students' fluency and accuracy in spoken and written Italian, to promote a deeper linguistic and cultural sensitivity in social interactions in Italian and to introduce students to Italian history and history of the language. Class time is divided between interactive language work, focus and reflection on form, and a series of lectures on history, language and culture aimed at developing students' understanding of the origins of the Italian state and its rich historical, linguistic, artistic and cultural background.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate their understanding of extended speech, including lectures in Italian about diverse aspects of Italian history, and current affairs programs and films using an increasing variety of registers and spoken Italian;
2. demonstrate their clear grasp of Italian grammar and related linguistic terminology;
3. identify and produce more complex linguistic structures orally and in writing than in ITAL6505;
4. demonstrate a higher command of a wide range of vocabulary, idioms and Italian gestures; phonetics and phonology of Italian;
5. conduct independent research demonstrating a deeper understanding of issues in Italian history;
6. conduct independent research, elaborate it and compose clear, analytical essays comparing issues and different perspective linked to Switzerland and Ticino.

Graduate students may attend joint classes with undergraduates. Assessment will include additional assignment work and research essays, one on Italian cultural history and one on aspects of Swiss culture.