ITALIAN 3302 Practical Conversation SPRING 2007

Transcription

1 Kennesaw State University Department of Foreign Languages ITALIAN 3302 Practical Conversation SPRING 2007 INSTRUCTOR & COURSE INFORMATION: Instructor: Dr. Federica Santini Section: M,W 12:30-1:45pm, Social Science 227 Office Location: Office Annex, 108 Office Hours: By Appointment Phone: (678) CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite: ITAL 2002 or permission of the instructor. Stresses expansion of effective listening comprehension and speaking skills through culturally and linguistically appropriate activities. SPECIFIC THEMES OF THE COURSE: In this course, students will continue working on the four skills of language proficiency: understanding, speaking, reading and writing, with a special emphasis on speaking and understanding abilities, learning among other things how to express personal opinions, participate in meaningful discussions, and communicate their feelings and thoughts in Italian. Students will strengthen their knowledge of Italian contemporary culture by viewing a series of selected contemporary Italian films (from the Sixties to the present) and discussing them, focusing on the cultural representations they propose and their relation to the global society. COURSE OBJECTIVES: To work on speaking and understanding Italian, acquiring clarity in comprehension and accuracy in oral exposition; to enhance the knowledge of Italian culture and society by discussing some representative works and analyzing their contents in context. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Garofano-Selisca: Ciak Si parla italiano. Cinema for Italian Conversation. In order to assure a variety of readings from diverse sources, additional materials (articles, film reviews, realia, etc.) will be provided in class by the instructor. Students are responsible for collecting and organizing all materials. All films to be analyzed are available in the FLRC. Students are required to watch each film BEFORE its discussion in class. Santini

2 CLASS SCHEDULE (Subject to change as necessary): WEEK DATES TOPICS TO BE COVERED OTHER INFORMATION Week 1 Jan Introduction to the course. Discussion: why films? Divorzio all italiana, p. 1 Week 2 Jan Divorzio all italiana: discussion and activities MON. JAN. 15 HOLIDAY: NO CLASS Week 3 Jan Nuovo cinema paradiso, p. 35 Week 4 Jan. 29-Feb.2 Nuovo cinema paradiso: discussion and activities Week 5 Feb 5-9 Fiorile, p. 87 PRESENTATION 1 Week 6 Feb Fiorile: discussion and activities Week 7 Feb Il postino, p. 105 Week 8 Feb. 26-Mar. 2 Il postino: discussion and activities FRI. MARCH 2: Last Day to Withdraw Without Academic Penalty Week 9 Mar. 5-9 SPRING BREAK NO CLASSES Week 10 Mar La vita è bella, p. 123 Week 11 Mar La vita è bella: discussion and activities PRESENTATION 2 Week 12 Mar Pane e tulipani, p. 181 Week 13 Apr. 2-6 Pane e tulipani: discussion and activities Week 14 Apr L ultimo bacio, p. 219 Week 15 Apr L ultimo bacio versus I vitelloni: targeted discussion Students Skits Week 16 Apr L ultimo bacio: activities. Conclusions. Santini

3 TESTS AND EXAMS: There will be two oral presentations, two film reviews, a skit, and a final exam. For the presentations, each student will speak for about ten minutes on an Italian film of her/his choice OR on a topic related the cultural issues that have been discussed in class. The student should also be ready to answer classmates questions regarding the topic being presented. The presentation topic will be chosen by the student but previously agreed upon with the instructor (feel free to contact your instructor to ask for suggestions for your choice). Each student will also be responsible for presenting to the class a brief (3 to 5 minute) review of one of the films being analyzed. At the end of the course, students will work in pairs to present a skit that represents in a creative manner one of the topics discussed during the course. Failure to take the final exam at the time, date and place scheduled will result in a final grade of F. Exceptions to this policy must be requested in writing by the student, endorsed in writing by the instructor, and approved, in writing, by Department Chair. Requests must be submitted two weeks prior to the end of the current semester. Reminder: Students are responsible for all class announcements and assignments, even if not listed on the syllabus. Students must find out if any announcements or assignments were made in class during their absences. FINAL COURSE GRADE: The course grade for Italian 3302 will be determined as follows: Two (2) 20% each 40 % One (1) Film Review (written and oral) 15 % Homework and Assignments 10 % One Film Skit (oral) 10% One (1) Final Examination 25 % Total 100 % Grading Scale: %=A; 89-80%=B; 79-70%=C; 69-60%=D; 59and below=f STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will contribute to the attainment of the following general (GSLO) and specific (SSLO) student learning outcomes of the B.A. in Modern Language & Culture (ML&C): ML&C GSLO 1: LANGUAGE, LINGUISTICS, & COMPARISONS Learners are proficient in using the target language, are familiar with the target language system, and seek opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) ML&C SSLO 1a: Demonstrating Language Proficiency Learners demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the target language, and they seek opportunities to strengthen their proficiency. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) Santini

4 To address this outcome, learners will: - strengthen speaking skills by: communicating in the target language, narrating and describing current and past events, expressing personal opinions, participating in meaningful discussions, and communicating their feelings and thoughts in Italian. in-class pair and group activities classroom discussions. classroom presentations oral film reviews - strengthen listening skills (such as listening for the gist and/or for specific information) by listening to their instructor, classmates and to a series of selected contemporary films. in-class listening activities classroom discussions listening sections of tests and exams. listening section of the final exam. - continue working on reading and writing skills by reading brief texts of all kinds, including newspaper and magazine articles, excerpts from literary works, web pages, and realia, and writing short narratives and brief essays to be shared with the class. In-class and at home writing assignments writing section of the final exam in class reading activities in-class and at home reading assignments reading section of the final exam ML&C SSLO 1b: Understanding Linguistics Learners know the linguistic elements of the target-language system, recognize the changing nature of language, and accommodate for gaps in their own knowledge of the target-language system by learning on their own. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) To address this outcome, learners will: Continue their reflection upon the rules that govern the formation of words and sentences in the target language. Review the grammar, pronunciation and syntax of target language, applying them when communicating in the target language. accurate use of target forms in classroom activities, homework assignments, writing sections of the final exam ML&C SSLO 1c: Identifying Language Comparisons Learners know the similarities and differences between the target language and other languages, identify the key differences in varieties of the target language, and seek opportunities to learn about varieties of the target language on their own. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) Santini

5 To address this outcome, learners will: Contrast and compare target language with native language. Discuss the changing nature of language as it emerges in the real-life, often regional language of contemporary Italian films. accurate use of target forms in speaking and writing classroom activities and in the final exam. ML&C GSLO 2: CULTURES & LITERATURES Learners know the literature and culture of the target language countries. They use this knowledge to interpret and reflect upon the perspectives of the target culture in relation to its practices and products. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) ML&C SSLO 2a: Demonstrating Cultural Understandings. Learners demonstrate that they understand the connections among the perspectives of a culture and its practices and products. (Knowledge, Skills) To address this outcome, learners will: Reflect upon the practices and products of the target culture by discussing, reading and investigating issues related to the target culture as it emerges in its cinematographic production. Work with texts of different genres and realia that are representative of different cultural aspects of the target culture. Cultural components in homework assignments, classroom activities, classroom presentations; active participation in class discussions; culture section of the final exam ML&C SSLO 2b: Demonstrating Understanding of Literary and Cultural Texts and Traditions. Learners recognize the value and role of literary and cultural texts and use them to interpret and reflect upon the perspectives of the target cultures over time. (Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes) To address this outcome, learners will: Read and discuss literary and cultural texts of all genres in the target language. Cultural components in homework assignments, classroom activities, classroom presentations; active participation in class discussions; culture section of the final exam ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct addresses the University s policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an informal resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct s minimum one semester suspension requirement. Santini

6 DISABILITY POLICY: Kennesaw State University provides program accessibility and reasonable accommodations for persons identified as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of A number of services are available to help the disabled. Students must visit the office of Disabled Student Support Services ( ) and arrange an individual assistance plan. In some cases, certification of disability is required. GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: Students are expected to attend all classes, to arrive on time and to remain in class for the entire one hour and fifteen minutes. There are no excused absences; for each absence in excess of two, one point will be deducted from the student s final grade average. In other words, a student may miss two class meetings without penalty. Classes will start on time. If a student is habitually late, the instructor reserves the right to determine if a tardy constitutes an absence. Class time will be used to develop all four basic skills (listening comprehension, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing) and culture. However, a special emphasis will be put on speaking. Students are expected to study and practice at home as part of their daily preparation. All assignments, whether written or oral, are to be finished by the time class begins. No late homework will be accepted. Emergencies will be handled on an individual basis. No make-up tests or assignments will be given. A grade of O will be assigned for all work not turned in or any tests not taken. There will be no extra credit. Emergencies will be handled on an individual basis. Oral presentation grades will be given based on content as well as language accuracy. Student will present for minutes. Presentations may not be read. Props are encouraged. Turn OFF all cell phones, beepers, pagers and any other potentially disruptive noise makers when you arrive in class. BONUS POINTS: Students can earn extra bonus points by completing cultural activities and/or lab activities. A. Cultural activities: Earn 1 bonus point by attending three different cultural events related to Italian culture and writing a brief account of the experience (200 words minimum per event). Suggestions for cultural events include: At Kennesaw: FLRC Italian movies Activities organized by the KSU Italian Club, such as general meetings, film nights, bake sales, etc. In the community: Attending Italian events held at other universities or at venues such as museums, restaurants, etc. in the Atlanta area. Exploring the Web to learn more about the Italian-speaking world. Ask your instructor for suggestions. Watching Italian movies. Santini

7 B. Lab activities: Earn 1 bonus point by spending NO LESS than 10 hours spent in the Foreign Language Resource Center. Suggestions for lab activities include: Working with a tutor. Reading an Italian magazine. Working on CD-Roms and other specific activities available at the lab. Each time you visit the lab, record on the FLRC form how long you have been working. A FLRC tutor, the coordinator or the director must sign the form each time. That form will be due on the day of the final if you want to receive the bonus point(s). You will receive 1 point (1% added to the final grade) for every 10 hours logged in the Multimedia Center or for every 3 cultural activities (please present documentation and/or narratives to your instructor) at the END of the semester, for a maximum of 3 points (3% added to the final grade). Santini