Welcome to my portfolio. The following items will provide an overview of my time in Italian 203 by detailing some of my favorite and most meaningful experiences. Our class was divided into three sections, with all three being accompanied by a specific set of vocabulary. The sections were as follows: food, museums, and interviews/films. All three sections were accompanied by their own tasks, such as creating a video recipe, that helped us master the creation of language opposed to simple regurgitation.

In comparison to my first two Italian classes, this course was much more hands-on. I was often forced to think on my feet, both through class assignments and lectures and through the group work we all completed. There was also a much heavier focus on projects, which I preferred. Things like our movie project or interview required a hefty amount of time outside of class, but the pay-off was particularly significant given the fact that both projects forced us to step outside our comfort zone as Italian interviewers or Italian movie stars.

The museum visit stuck out to me as a particularly entertaining and substantive section of our class. Having to take notes and prepare questions for Laura in Italian made for a productive task, as it forced me to produce language on my own while also having to think deeply about the art we were discussing — the first question I asked was regarding an upcoming exhibit that would feature a new take on the Rebel Flag, a contentious symbol in the South. Because of the impact this visit had on me, I draw from the subsequent assignments we completed several times throughout the course of this portfolio. I also had an affinity for the food-based projects, as they allowed me to combine an entertaining skill I enjoy every day (cooking) with the Italian culture. Whether it was the documentary on Slow Food or sharing my Brunswick stew recipe or showing the class how to make chicken quesadillas, food allowed me a connection to the culture that I found genuinely interested in.

As a journalist based in America, I don’t imagine I will need to make use of the Italian I learned this semester. I mostly employ the use of American-English in my day-to-day work, with the majority of news outlets I write for preferring the use of AP Style. That being said, this class still possessed its opportunities for real-world applications on a few occasions. Our poster project, for example, required me to learn about the history of Italians and Italian-Americans in New York — if/when I move to NYC in June, I will be able to visit the many neighborhoods I covered and teach my friends about the historical and cultural importance these landmark areas contain.

Compiling this portfolio was an excellent way to close my Italian courses and undergraduate career, as forced me to look back, all the way to the beginning of the class. Tracking the progress I have made since first studying Italian this semester, let alone at Duke, proved to me the importance of persistence. I am glad I have the opportunity to share my work. Enjoy!