CRN: 72633 SUBJ: ITAL CRSE: 1A SEC: 501 DAY: M TIME: 6:30-9:45 pm UNITS: 3 INSTRUCTOR: Carole Cadoppi EMAIL: ccadoppi@ccsf.edu SEM: Fall, 2004 OFFICE HOUR: Mon. 6:00-6:30 p.m. in Arts. 203B, tel. 239-3221 (Use this tel. only during office hour). Otherwise leave email message, or voicemail message at 452-7220
ITALIAN 1A COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND METHOD
The main objective of this course is to give the students experience in using the Italian language as they learn it. Each session will begin with a communicative activity in which the students practice and review the vocabulary and linguistic structures presented during the previous session. The meaty new material will be reinforced through drills which are initially quite structured (substitution, transformation, repetition, chain drills), but which move quickly on to creative activities in which the grammar concept gives way to the communication of desired information among students, within a certain lexical context or situation. The final part of the session, that is, when students are in a state of fatigued contemplation, will be dedicated to the observation of language within a cultural context: mostly through music, but also through film, easy reading from Italian newspapers or magazines, casual discussion about cultural phenomena, etc.
The principal role of the instructor will be to suggest activities which arouse enthusiasm in the students, and to create a supportive, open, and relaxed environment which encourages interaction (games, problem solving activities, projects, expression of opinions, and discussions). The students will have the satisfaction of having communicated effectively with their newly-acquired knowledge of Italian.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS
S. Branciforte & A. Grassi, Parliamo italiano! Second Edition - 2002 (hardcover textbook -with cassette tapes if you do not plan to visit the language laboratory on a weekly basis or use the online language laboratory)
S. Branciforte & B. O’Connor, Parliamo italiano! Workbook/Laboratory Manual Second Edition - 2002
GRADING POLICY
Final grades will be calculated based on the following criteria:
• attendance and class participation 25%
• quizzes, written assignments and workbook 30%
• midterm exam 15%
• final exam 30%
Final course grades will be determined on the following scale: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; <60% = F.
ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION
Prompt attendance is required 100%. The attendance portion of your grade will reflect the percentage of the total class hours you attend. Active attendance will constitute 25% of your grade. I realize that, for many of you, these precious class hours will be your only chance to practice the language. We will spend as much class time as possible in oral practice: group work, role-plays, oral problem solving and discussions. Therefore, it is essential that you come to class ready to participate and as free as possible from the inhibitions that accompany the humbling experience of communicating at an elementary level. Hopefully we will laugh and learn from everyone’s mistakes.
QUIZZES AND WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
You will be responsible for 10 short quizzes (nearly every week), one midterm exam and a final exam on the dates indicated in the syllabus. There will be no make-up quizzes. The two lowest grades will be dropped at the end of the semester. Other written assignments will include weekly homework, compositions and preparation of oral work. The workbook assignments average in as 2 quiz grades, and may not be dropped. Use the answer key provided in the workbook/laboratory manual (pp. 223-233) to correct your workbook assignments before handing them in. Use a pen or pencil with a contrasting color to make corrections. Homework will only be collected before each quiz or exam. No late written assignments will be accepted for credit.
STUDY TIPS
Acquiring a language is much like learning a musical instrument or fitness training. Consistency is the key. Divide your study week into different phases and be consistent from week to week about completing these phases. (Some ideas: a day for reading vocab. and grammar, two days for homework exercises, a day for correcting, a day for review of previous chapters, a day for using the material acquired to say creative things that are relevant to your own lives) Find a system that works for you, since only you know what it takes for you to learn the material. Ongoing study might include listening to the tapes any chance you get, memorizing the dialogues in the book until your delivery is expressive and natural, listening to and deciphering the lyrics of opera or popular song, seeing Italian films or looking through magazines and newspapers. Listening to the Italian news on channel 26 each day at 5:30 p.m. is challenging, but might tune your ear to the sound of the language. Your opportunities to acquire proficiency are limited only by your lack of time or creativity! I am always available for suggestions.
LANGUAGE LABORATORY
Rosenberg Library/Resource Center, Rm. 205, Phelan Campus; tel. 452-5555
Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 8:00 a.m.-8:45 p.m.; Friday: 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sat.:9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Two hours per week are required either in the language lab or at home.
INSTRUCTOR: Carole Cadoppi