Basic Spoken Italian I is an elective course for the student who has never studied Italian or has little preparation. It emphasizes pronunciation, and understanding of basic vocabulary in everyday conversations, dialogues for travel and other practical use.

Basic Spoken Italian I will provide the student with vocabulary and idiomatic expressions needed to develop basic conversational skills. The four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing will be emphasized. The primary focus will be placed on communicative interaction in Italian. Students will develop an awareness and appreciation for the Italian language and culture.

Joseph Cremona Buongiorno Italia EMC Publishing, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1987.

1. Presentation of active vocabulary.

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, basic grammar, and accurate use of idiomatic expressions.

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

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, 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. http://faculty.ccri.edu/mmansella

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 outside the classroom.

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.

Attendance will be taken regularly. Each class will consist of a variety of learning activities including lecturers, cultural discussions, readings and dialogues. It is impossible to recreate these learning experiences for those who have missed a class. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in case of justified 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, and to work with tutors - especially beneficial for those students seeking reinforcement and extra practice.

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.

A quiz will be given each week. There will be a mid-term and a final exam. Questions related to the readings, grammar, vocabulary, and culture will be included in quizzes, mid-term and final examinations. No make-up quizzes, mid-term and final exam are given.

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% Weekly quizzes
3. 25% Mid-term
4. 25% Final exam

• The course will cover approximately 6 chapters.
• 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.

Summer Travel Study Program in Italy
CCRI Italian Club
FIERI
NIAF Scholarships, Youth Retreat, Conferences
OSIA Order Sons of Italy in America Organization

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: 10/29/2007