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Italian Language & Culture
Have you fallen in love with the rolling hills of Tuscany or the meandering streets of Venice? Do you love the Italian language? Are you interested in exploring your family history? Whatever your reasons, our Italian courses will help you meet your goals. 
Our beginning Italian courses are oriented toward improving your conversational skills and building the confidence you need for successful cross-cultural interactions. Learn about Italian culture along with the fundamentals of Italian grammar and vocabulary.
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Italian language and culture classes in Madison
Instructor for Italian classes
What students say about our classes
Distance learning in Italian
Conversational Italian classes in Madison
Browse upcoming Italian classes in the Online Catalog.
Italian language and culture: beginning 1: Music, art, literature, film, food: Italian culture has it all. In this course you master the basics of the language as well as phrases most useful to travelers. Learn to meet people, order in restaurants with confidence, get around the cities, and much more. Instructor: Janet Wood
Italian language and culture: beginning 2: Continue exploring the richess of Italian language and culture. Build on your ability to have everyday exchanges about travel, hobbies, family, and daily routines. Prerequisite: Beginning 1, or instructor’s approval. Instructor: Janet Wood
If you aren't sure which level is right for you, please contact the Italian classes coordinator at languages@dcs.wisc.edu.
Textbooks for language classes are available for preview and purchase on campus in the University Book Store's lower level, in the outreach section. The University Book Store is located at 711 State St., Madison (at Lake St., on the Library Mall).
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Your instructors
Janet Wood has a Master’s degree in Italian from UW-Madison. A lifelong Italophile, she has lived, studied, and traveled throughout Italy. She has taught Italian for over 15 years.
What students are saying about our classes
Distance learning in Italian
If you can’t attend our face-to-face classes, take our Independent Learning courses. Italian language courses are available at the beginning level. Start your course at any time, work one-on-one with our experienced instructors via e-mail or postal mail, study at your own schedule for as long as one year to complete each course, and earn transferable college credit.
How to register
Call 608-262-2451, 7:00 am-4:00 pm, M-F. Specific program numbers and links to the mail-in registration form or to register online can be found in the continuing education catalog.
Contact us
- Madison area registration questions: 608-262-2451.
- Independent Learning questions: toll-free 877-UW-LEARN or info@learn.uwsa.edu.
- UW-Madison Continuing Studies in Italian coordinator Sage Goellner: sgoellner@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-262-4873.
- Join the mailing list for Italian or other language programs.
- Review frequently asked questions about language programs.
If you are looking for degree programs and courses for credit, please contact the UW-Madison Department of French and Italian.
Thank you for your interest in learning Italian. A presto !
“My first Italian class: fabulous. I feel ready to travel to Italy and feel confident that I will be able to be polite and know a bit about what is going on.”
“Our instructor was knowledgeable and kind to adult learners.”
“Excellent teacher, very enjoyable, well-planned course.”
“Fun, informative, and challenging!”