The Arte Cinema Italia approach is based on interdisciplinary learning by uniquely integrating standard reading, writing, speaking and listening exercises with dynamic and enriching content.The content of each teaching unit is focused on selected topics from Italian history, culture, music, art, theatre, cinema and poetry.

When high-interest content about Italian life and culture is presented, students are immediately engaged. Comparisons and contrasts are drawn, words flow, and ideas are shared – transforming the class into a community of students. Community requires greater participation, a greater level of engagement, and ultimately the kind of trust that adult learners seek.

All Italian Cinema courses are taught in Italian and includes exercises in reading, essay/paragraph writing, grammar, comprehension, pronunciation, word/sentence structure, improvisation, discussion in a partner or group setting, interpretation of works of art, first-hand historical accounts and concludes with a literacy project, test and vocabulary list.

All art history courses taught in English and highlight relevant Italian terminology when applicable. Students will be provided with readings pertaining to each lesson, take part in class discussions; and throughout the course, each student will choose a specific artist, monument, etc. that pertains to the course description to do additional research on which will be presented to the class.

For private courses, it is possible to customize the curriculum and course description to the student’s area of interest. Courses can be followed online; and,for those who are interested, there is a study-stay option available in Rome with accommodations offered at partnered facilities along with language, film, and art courses taught personally by Jessica Simmons and Matteo Scarfò.