Discover Sant'Anna

COURSES

WL 101 Elementary Italian Language

45 contact hrs, 3 credits

In this course, you will gain a basic understanding of the Italian language, including spelling, pronunciation, grammar, and syntax. Additionally, you learn some Italian geography, history, culture, and daily life. You will be assessed of your knowledge through homework, oral participation in class, oral comprehension quizzes and tests, and an essay. This course is not required for Sant’Anna students, but it may prove useful—where is there a better place to learn and practice Italian than in Italy?

WL 102 Elementary Italian Language

45 contact hrs, 3 credits

Course description:

In this course, you will learn the foundations of conversation and grammar in Italian. You will work on basic grammar and speaking skills through conversation, dialogues, exercises, and drills. You will develop vocabulary through reading, discussion,

and writing. Additionally, you will learn more about Italian culture through reading, video, and presentations.

Upon completion of this course, in Italian, students will be able to:

Carry on basic conversations

Read articles and short stories

Write short compositions

WL 201 Intermediate Italian Language

45 contact hrs, 3 credits

Course Description:

This course is designed for students who wish to develop the skills necessary to interact in the language and learn about Italian contemporary culture and society as well as Italy’s history. In this course, you will continue to refine your speaking skills by completing tasks with your classmates in pairs and small groups and by following models of native speakers presented on video.

You will develop reading and writing skills by reading increasingly more elaborate authentic texts and writing related, reaction essays. Your listening skills will be cultivated by completing online listening activities, and by viewing and analyzing short clips from Italian movies. You will gain additional skills by listening to short lectures on topics in Italian culture, society, and history, such as: Pompeii, the contemporary demographic profile of Italy, the history of the language, and of the unification of Italy.

WL 202 Post-Intermediate Italian Language

45 contact hrs, 3 credits

Course description:

You will develop reading and writing skills by reading increasingly more elaborate authentic texts and writing essays, and your listening skills will be cultivated by in-class interactions, listening to short lectures on topics in Italian culture, listening to Italian music, and watching Italian movies.

WL 325 Advanced Italian Language

45 contact hrs, 3 credits

Course description:

This is an advanced Italian language course. In this class, you will learn to demonstrate advancement in spoken and written Italian, communicate with advanced grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and refined vocabulary. Additionally, you will learn to communicate personal opinions in group discussions on a variety of topics, articles, events, and personal stories.

WL 325 Special Topics: Post-Advanced Italian

45 contact hours, 3 credits

Course Description:

You may only take this course if you have completed 5 semesters of Italian language. In this course, you will become more aware of your personal learning style and strategies. You will have conversations in Italian with an interactive computer program and your grammatical knowledge will be revised through linguistic encounters in class. The multimedia component reinforces, tests, and contextualises language learning done in the classroom and is regarded as an essential part of this course.

WL 325 Medieval Italian Literature I – Dante

45 contact hours, 3 credits

Course Description:

In this course, you will study the most important Italian poet, the father of the Italian language, and the principal figure of medieval literature in Europe—Dante Alighieri. You will examine Dante’s Divine Comedy and some other minor works of his (i.e. “Vita Nuova” and “Convivio”). You will read excerpts from these works and engage in a historical, literary, and rhetorical analysis of these texts while determining techniques of poetic composition. You are expected to actively participate and contribute to class discussion. You are also expected to do all the exercises assigned daily. This course’s aim is to allow you to study Dante’s internationally renowned literary texts in their original language (you must have earned at least 12 credits of Italian language as this course will be instructed in Italian).

WL 325 Medieval Italian Literature II

45 contact hours, 3 credits

Course Description:

In this course, you will study Italian literature from the 14th to the 16th century. Authors will include Petrarch, Boccaccio, Ariosto, Tasso, Machiavelli, and others. You will read excerpts from these works and engage in a historical, literary, and rhetorical analysis of texts while determining techniques of poetic composition. You will critically analyze theese internationally renowned literary texts in their original language (you must have earned at least 12 credits of Italian as this course will be instructed in Italian). You will also learn about the lives of authors and the historical context and how these affected the masterpieces studied. You are expected to actively participate and contribute to class discussion. You are also expected to do all the exercises assigned daily.

WL 325 Modern Italian Literature

In this course, you will study Italian literature from the 17th to the 19th century with a focus on the key ideas of modern Italian literature, the literary and artistic trends in Italy compared to those in the rest of Europe, and the social criticism of this literature. You will take the opportunity to examine the rhetorical content of poetic works written to spread the cause for social reforms. Additionally, you will read pages of works in Italian on which you may debate in class.

WL 325 Contemporary Italian Literature

In this course, you will study Italian literature of the 20th century. You will critically analyze these internationally renowned literary texts in their original language. This course’s focus is to give a general overview of literary developments during the 20th century and to deepen the relationships between literature and forms of power. You will read pages of the selected works in Italian and you will be able to debate on them in the classroom. You will try to understand the role of literature in the contemporary world and its value in the lives of humans.

In 5-week summer programs, students are allowed to take only one Italian Language course per term (plus Italian Literature courses). In 10-week summer programs, students can take two Italian Language courses (plus Italian Literature courses).

In semesters programs (Fall or Spring) , students are allowed to take two Italian Language courses (WL 101 Italian Elementary + WL 102 Italian Elementary) , plus Italian Literature courses. WL 101 Italian Elementary will take place during weeks 1-8 and WL 102 Italian Elementary will take place during weeks 9-16.

Our Mission

Sant'Anna's mission is to educate, support, and inspire international students to become active citizens of the world. We are committed to academic excellence within an authentic and engaging Italian community.

Mission and Goals

At Sant’Anna we strive to provide students from across the world a unique, hands-on learning experience where they can cultivate real world skills and knowledge.

Because the school is located in Sorrento, one of the most harmonious cities southern Italy has to offer, our students are truly able to gain a global awareness and appreciate diversity while studying abroad. Our goal is to help guide participating students into becoming responsible, open-minded members of society.

Our hope is that each student can leave Sant’Anna with an appreciation of the Italian culture as well as the knowledge acquired through their academic courses.

We are so passionate about the importance of international education and training in a student’s academic career, and we are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to providing students with a life changing experience.

Our Values

Value for the characteristics that make others different from ourselves, including but not restricted to: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, culture. Granting equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment is of the upmost importance to our organization.

Acceptance

Value for the exploration of different ways in which we can better serve our staff, students, and community.

Continuous Improvement

Value for our students to use their experience away from home to explore and learn from the unfamiliar.

Discovery

Value for the differences that make our community strong. We strive to understand and appreciate that which is different from ourselves.

Diversity

Value for a holistic learning approach.

Education

Value for the global reach within which our organization operates. We celebrate the culture and variety brought by our students to our institute.

Internationality

Value for the pursuit and exploration of knowledge.

Knowledge

Value for the empowerment of our staff and students to facilitate change.

Leadership

Value for the ability to grow from every experience both in and out of the classroom.

Learning

Value for staff and students to feel capable and independent in their daily lives.

Self-confidence

Value for socially and environmentally progressive practices that protect our environment.

Sustainability

Mediterranean Location

Our Location

Why choose Sorrento?

Study abroad programs in Italy have traditionally focused on the popular cultural centers of Rome, Florence, Milan, and other cities in the north of Italy. At Sant’Anna Institute, study abroad students have the opportunity to experience the unique culture, customs, and climate of southern Italy.

Sant’Anna is located in the stunning town of Sorrento at the beginning of the Amalfi Coast, just 20 miles south of Naples. Perched atop hundred foot cliffs that face the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento is within sight of rugged snow-capped mountains, emerald waters, black sand beaches, cliff- hanging villages, and the world’s best known volcano: Vesuvius.

Sorrento is a safe, walkable, and picturesque center of international tourism. It has an international population, making it a small town, with a cosmopolitan feel.

Sorrento also boasts:

Friendly, gracious people
Southern hospitality
Italian style
Bustling shopping streets and traditional Roman-style alleys
A mild, sun-drenched Mediterranean climate
Culinary traditions based on the seafood, and locally grown, fresh produce
Streets lined with lemon and orange trees
Hillsides covered with olive groves and vineyards
Home to some of the best pizza and gelato you will find anywhere

Sorrento is a treasure all its own and a passageway to the:

tunning islands of Capri and Ischia
baroque splendor of Naples
majestic Greek temples at Paestum
historic Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum
world-famous collection at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples
cliff hanging villages of the Amalfi Coast, like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
world’s best known volcano, Mount Vesuvius

It’s the perfect city to discover a home away from home with a hometown feel!

Sant’Anna Institute is located overlooking the Marina Grande of Sorrento, perched on the cliffside with stunning views from the sea-facing windows, and it’s a short walk to the harbor and the harbor-side restaurants.

The Institute is located a short 15-minute walk from the center of town and 20 minutes from the Sorrento train and bus station.

The Residence Hall was established in 2017 and is on the third and fourth floors of the Institute, overlooking the picturesque Marina Grande.