An intensive upper intermediate language course that focuses on Italian speaking and writing. The course, which is taught entirely in Italian, is designed to reinforce and deepen the students' knowledge of the Italian language and its idiomatic usage, and to improve their speaking ability and listening comprehension. Students will be given practice both in speaking extemporaneously and giving oral reports written on a wide range of topics dealing with contemporary Italy. One of the main objectives of the course is to prepare students to take upper level courses (300-400 levels) in Italian language, literature, and culture