Italian 2

Watch this short video about why our online Language program is one of the best in the country!

This practical high beginner's course (A1.2), designed by UW–Madison for adult language learners, explores the richness of Italian culture while improving your ability to converse about real-life topics. Focuses on the present tense with an introduction to the past tense.

Our proven communicative approach emphasizes speaking competency while also building skills in listening, reading and writing. Enhance your ability to have everyday conversations about travel, holidays and daily routines. Textbook purchase required (used in Italian 1 and 2).

Prerequisite: Italian 1

Find out if this is the right level for you with these placement tests: Italian 1 self-placement test, Italian 2 self-placement test.

Want to know more about learning a language online? Read Dr. Julie Dahl's blog post about our online course format.

Course format

Newly Revised!  For the first five weeks of class, you will practice speaking in weekly 30–minute online sessions led by an experienced instructor, with a maximum of 3–6 other participants. To get to know all of your classmates, your conversation time will vary between the first or second 30–minute time slot of the hour you registered for. You should be available for either.

For the second half of the course, weeks six through ten, you will meet with the entire group for the full hour. Your instructor will use breakout rooms to facilitate small group work.

The live online sessions begin one week after the scheduled course start date to allow time to work through the first unit of learning material in preparation for the live conversation practice.

Online course materials introduce new grammar and vocabulary and teach pronunciation, listening, and reading skills through videos, audio and interactive exercises. Budget 3-4 hours a week to work through the online asynchronous content.

Course materials become available online on the scheduled course start date and remain accessible for one month after the course ends.

The required textbook is sold by many online vendors. Make sure to look for ISBN number 9789606931215. It is generally available on Amazon and at MEP Education.

Sections anticipated for spring 2025 (See Upcoming Dates for open sections and more detail):

Tuesdays, Feb. 11–April 29, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT (No virtual conversation on March 25)

Wednesdays, March 19–May 28, 5:30–6:30 p.m. CT

By participating in this class you will earn:

Explanation of Continuing Education Hours