This collection is under development. These resources have not been reviewed by a Discipline Lead and were identified by ChatGPT on October 28, 2026. The curated list provided here is intended to facilitate faculty selection of an OER text in lieu of a commercial text. If you are aware of additional resources that should be included, please contact us via our general OER e-mail.
Scope and selection notes
This guide identifies Italian-language OER suitable for introductory and intermediate college courses. First year generally means Italian I–II; second year generally means Italian III–IV. Course placement should be based on local outcomes and student proficiency. Some entries are complete course texts, while others are grammar manuals or supplements. Check individual licenses for third-party content and verify accessibility before adoption.
Using an openly licensed resource that is missing from the list below? If so, please let us know.
First-year Italian
Texts
- Piacere! Elementary Italian at the University of Iowa (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except where otherwise noted) Elementary text organized around themes, combining grammar, vocabulary, conversations, readings, and interactive reading-comprehension activities. Designed for self-study or classroom use.
- Spunti: Italiano elementare 1 (1st semester) (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except where otherwise noted.)
A complete task-based course with concise grammar, cultural material, vocabulary, videos, and self-checking interactive exercises. Emphasizes conversational communication and can be used or adapted in whole or in part. - Spunti: Italiano elementare 2 (2nd semester) (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except where otherwise noted.)
Continuation of Spunti’s task-based course, designed to replace a traditional textbook and workbook through concise grammar instruction and communication-oriented learning. - Tutt* a tavola! Volume 1 (CC BY-NC 4.0, except where otherwise noted.)
Inclusive introductory text with six chapters. Each chapter combines grammar, culturally themed vocabulary, a short reading, and multimedia such as songs and video.Check licenses for embedded songs, films, and other third-party media individually. - Tutt* a tavola! Volume 2 (CC BY-NC 4.0.)
Continuation of the introductory sequence using grammar, themed vocabulary, cultural readings, and multimedia. - Giornate Italiane (CC BY-NC-SA; confirm current edition’s full license notice.)
Open textbook with at-home and in-class activities for language and cultural understanding. Its communicative approach uses realistic scenarios; the project has been adding audio/video, assessments, and at-home materials. - Italian Language and Culture I (CC BY-NC 4.0, except where otherwise noted.)
Compact grammar and vocabulary textbook for anglophone college students beginning Italian, with cultural context and reference material. - Italian Language and Culture II (CC BY-NC 4.0, except where otherwise noted.)
Companion text covering grammar and vocabulary typical of a second semester, with cultural topics and explanations for anglophone learners. - Italian Language and Culture (Kennesaw State University) (CC BY-NC 4.0.)
Textbook collection developed and revised through an OER mini-grant, identified for two elementary courses and the first intermediate course. - Radio Arlecchino (CC BY-NC-ND; sharing allowed but adaptations are not permitted.)
Aural Italian grammar lessons and dramatic dialogues using characters from commedia dell’arte, with grammar discussions, readings/dialogues, and PDF notes.
Second-year Italian
Texts
- D’accordo! Intermediate Italian at the University of Iowa (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except where otherwise noted)
Reviews Piacere! grammar and develops more complex syntax, vocabulary, fluency, and cultural competency. Grammar is organized around types of agreement, with interactive exercises and vocabulary study tools. - Spunti: Italiano intermedio (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Task-based intermediate course with concise grammar explanations and culturally rich content. Suitable as a course text or for adaptation. - Torniamo a tavola! Volume 1 (CC BY-NC 4.0, except where otherwise noted)
Grammar manual with detailed explanations, contextual examples, short auto-graded exercises, and culturally themed units with vocabulary. Additional readings, discussions, presentations, workbook, and lab materials may be available from the author. - Torniamo a tavola! Volume 2
Companion volume continuing the intermediate grammar sequence and culturally themed units. - Italian Language and Culture IV (CC BY-NC 4.0, except where otherwise noted)
Fourth-semester Italian; targeted grammar/culture support. Textbook designed for college students in fourth-semester Italian, explaining grammar and
Discovery guides and source collections
- BMCC OER, Italian
- COERLL, Italian OER collection
- University of Florida Libraries, Italian Studies OER guide
- Open Textbook Library, Spunti: Italiano elementare 1
- Open Textbook Library, Piacere!
- University of Iowa Pressbooks, Piacere!
- University of Iowa Pressbooks, D’accordo!
- UMass Amherst OpenBooks, Tutt* a tavola! Volume 1
- UMass Amherst OpenBooks, Torniamo a tavola! Volume 1
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