S1320B Italian for Foreigners, intermediate level

This language course is designed so that students can practice their grammar skills and increase their ability to understand, speak, read and write Italian, while emphasizing the development of reading comprehension. It includes grammar review and an introduction to new grammar skills, with continued vocabulary study, conversational practice, short composition, cultural and literary readings and some work with video.   Course objectives This course is designed to improve: -the student’s ability to read and write Italian -listening comprehension -the ability to communicated in Italian -the knowledge of Italian society and culture   Tutoring Students can ask their teacher for any extra materials they may need to further personalize their program, or to review grammar skills. Teaching and Evaluation Method This is a 56-hour-course. In the first half of the semester is intensive: the classes meet four times a week (for six weeks). In the second half of the semester the classes meet twice a week (for four weeks), leaving time for self-study and practice in real-life situations. Class will involve much student-student and student-instructor interaction in more open-ended conversation. The quality of interaction will have a significant effect on the course grade. Effort and enthusiasm will count as much as accuracy in preparation.During classes, students will produce some written documents concerning their own experience in Venice as a foreign student (e.g. small Venice guide for foreign students).