Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures

Spring 2007 Course Syllabus

ITAL-2220 Italian Conversation and Composition II

Prof. Maria C. Mansella
Knight Campus Office Room 3168
Tel. 825-2011/2168
E-mail:   mmansella@ccri.edu

Course Description

Italian Conversation and Composition II is a continuation of Italian Conversation and Composition I (ITAL 2210). 

Course Objective

This is an intensive course in Italian conversation and composition. Selected cultural videos, tapes, readings and classroom discussions provide an atmosphere
to develop and improve speaking and understanding of Italian language and culture. Oral presentations and written compositions are required.
Course conducted in Italian. Prerequisite: ITAL 2210 or permission of instructor) Lecture: 3 hours

Textbooks

• Graziana Lazzarino/Annamaria Moneti Da Capo Fifth Edition. Harcourt Brace & Co. Orlando, Florida, 2002.
• Graziana Lazzarino/Annamaria Moneti  Da Capo Laboratory Manual Fifth Edition. Thomson Heinle, Boston 2003.
• Rosangela Verri/Menzel La bottega dell'italiano Bonacci Editore, Roma,1989.
• Graziella Martina Pagliaruolo In Italia Chancerel International Publishers, London, 1996.

Methodology

1. Presentation of active vocabulary, idioms and grammatical structures.

2. Reading aloud of the text (in form of letters, dialogues, monologues, narrative, etc.) for pronunciation, intonation, oral practice and comprehension.

3. Activities and exercises such as questioning and answering for comprehension, and oral practice.

4. Dictation, translation and listening activities (Italian -English; English-Italian) for comprehension, grammar, and accurate use of idiomatic expressions.

5. Presentation and explanation of grammar drills; exercises prepared written and orally utilizing the grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions.

6. Cooperative learning will be strongly encouraged. The class will be divided in  groups or pairing of students to work together on assigned activities in which the Italian language will be used. The objective is to develop creativity, reinforcement, motivation and self-confidence.

7. Audio visual material such as cultural videos, Italian films, selected conversational units will provide material for listening comprehension, appreciation, and class discussion.

8. Cultural videos, photographs, and "realia" in general will be presented in the course in order to develop an awareness and appreciation for the Italian language and culture.

9. Instructors’ web pages will be used in order to facilitate students learning, to explore students curiosity and to connect technology standards with foreign languages standards.

10. Students are strongly recommended to participate in the cultural activities sponsored by the Italian Club and other educational organizations. The objective is to provide the students with interesting learning experiences pertaining to the Italian language and culture.

Requirements

1. Students will act responsibly: interest, attendance, preparation, contribution to the class, respect for each other.

2. In order to facilitate learning, classroom propriety shall be maintained at all times; food is not permitted in the classroom.

a. Attendance

Attendance will be taken regularly. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in case of absence; be prepared at all times and arrange make-up of classroom work if necessary. Much of the class is interactive, so attendance and participation are very important. Students are encouraged to use e-mail pals, to form group study, especially beneficial for those students seeking reinforcement and extra practice.

b. Preparation

Homework assignment will be given during class meetings. Students are expected to spend several hours a week on class assignments. Homework will be reviewed in class or collected by instructor.

d. Compositions/Exams

Students will prepare written compositions and oral presentations each week. There will be a mid-term and a final exam. Questions related to the literary and cultural readings, vocabulary, grammar and culture will be included in mid-term and final examinations.

Grading

The final grade will be based on attendance, class participation, and the increasing ability to converse and write with ease and competence in the target language.

1. 25% Homework assignment and class participation
2. 25% Oral Presentations and Written Compositions
3. 25% Mid-term
4. 25% Final exam

• The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus when deemed necessary and to alter final grade due to attendance, class participation
  and/or attitude.
• Students are responsible for informing the instructor of any instructional accommodations and/or special learning needs at the beginning of semester.
• In consideration of class instruction and those around you, cellular phones, pagers and watch alarms should be switched off during class.

Special announcements

Summer Travel Study Program in Italy
CCRI Italian Club
UNITAM Book Award
RITI/Renaissance Alliance Lodge Outstanding Merit Award
RIFLA/RITI Newsletters "La pagina degli studenti"
NIAF Scholarships, Youth Retreat, Conferences, etc.
OSIA Order Sons of Italy in America Organization

Benvenuti! In bocca al lupo!

	This page developed and maintained by Maria C. Mansella at CCRI. Send comments and suggestions to mmansella@ccri.edu © 2001, Community College of Rhode Island - Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures All rights reserved

This page last modified on: 01/11/2007 04:44 PM