By the end of the course, students are able to:
- understand not too difficult, uncomplicated speech in varied domains (TV, radio, lectures, telephone messages, etc.) and to take notes
- initiate, sustain and close a general conversation with a number of topics appropriate to a range of circumstances and subjects
- participate in conversations (on topics beyond the most immediate daily needs)
- orally perform a simple but connected discourse, simple narration or descriptions
- consistently read and understand connected texts dealing with various topics
- write letters and short papers on topics familiar to you
- ·demonstrate an exit level of ACTFL Intermediate Mid
- recognize, name and describe social, political, and historical events, and analyze and compare texts on those items, often relating them to relevant current developments and events;.
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Content
The language part of the course aims to improve and develop skills and strategies that enable students to successfully handle most uncomplicated oral and written tasks and social situations they may be confronted with when travelling and staying in Italy or interacting with Italians. The cultural part of the course provides the students with information that enables them to understand some cultural aspects of Italian society and culture.
Format
In the language classes the classroom language is Italian, though some explanations could be given in English when necessary. The main activity is the use of Italian in a variety of oral and written communication tasks performed in small groups, in pairs or with the whole class. The instructor supplies you with input, instruction and explanations concerning these tasks and helps you to prepare executing the tasks. Upon completion of these tasks, you analyze the strategy, grammar and vocabulary, with the help of the instructor. Students in this course are expected to come to class with their own questions and analyze their own learning problems and learning needs.
In the 'culture' lectures issues on Italian culture, society and history are introduced and debated. You will work on an individual cultural project and on a group project throughout the semester. Topics and projects will be discussed and negotiated together with the instructor at the beginning of the course.
The aim is to explore argumentations and considerations behind the Italian approach to various matters in Italian culture. Creativity and originality (e.g. in terms of an intercultural approach) are highly esteemed in this section of the course, as well as critical (self)reflection.
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