Italian Studies
Perchè italiano? Why Italian?
We live in an increasingly globalised world where the ability to understand and interact in international contexts and display intercultural awareness has become an invaluable skill. Italian has the advantage of being an easy language to learn, as 60% of its lexicon is shared with English. Annual study trips to Italy will allow you to experience a new culture from up close, become aware of cultural differences and to take a journey through Italy's splendid cultural heritage. We begin this exciting journey in the classroom where you will be learning more than just a foreign language, because Italian is also
A language of art and culture
From Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa to Michelangelo's frescos in the Sistine Chapel, from Dante's Divine Comedy to Fellini's La dolce vita, Italy has produced some of the most important cultural works of the western canon. By learning Italian, you will learn about a country with a remarkably rich cultural and artistic heritage that has significantly influenced Western civilisation and continues to fascinate visitors today.
A commercial language
Italy is one of the world's leading industrial democracies and a powerful economic force in Europe. Learning Italian gives you proficiency in a language of trade and commerce and introduces you to the country of Marco Polo, the Medici and Machiavelli, who many centuries ago perfected the instruments of international trade, global capitalism and global leadership.
One of Australia's most widely spoken languages
What do Anthony La Paglia and Marco Bresciano, Melina Marchetta and Carla Zampatti have in common? Learn about the Italian heritage that characterises the cultural diversity of Australia. Find out what it took before bruschetta, parmigiano and Chianti classico became the hallmarks of fine wine and dining. Reflect on how mass migration from Italy contributed to the making of modern Australia.