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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "IT 301"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Grammar and Conversation"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2018
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Angela Eliseo
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 3:00-4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Placement or IT 202 or permission of the instructor (As of Fall 2022: Placement or IT 202 with a grade of C or above or permission by the Instructor)
OFFICE HOURS: after class, by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to help students gain fluency and confidence in speaking while reviewing the advanced structures of Italian grammar. Contemporary literary and journalistic texts offer an introduction to Italian culture and provide the basis for class discussions geared toward expanding vocabulary and reinforcing the idiomatic use of the language.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Topics of discussion will reflect various aspects of modern Italy as well as current events. It is very important that students come well prepared to speak in class. This involves not only reading assignments carefully, but also planning in advance comments or questions about the material.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

  • Discuss a variety of topics using complex grammatical structures, correct syntax, and appropriate vocabulary;
  • Comprehend the general meaning of advanced-level texts;
  • Recognize various styles and registers and distinguish between spoken and written usage.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
La Prova orale 2T. Marin Edilingua978-960-7706-25-6      
Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza VittorioAmara Lakhous Edizioni e/o978-88-7641-809-9     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation, preparation, and homework  15
Oral presentations Two oral presentations (with a vocabulary list)20
TestsThere will be two tests on grammar and vocabulary. 20
Midterm Exam  20
Final Exam 25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity.

Students are expected to come prepared to class and participate in all activities. Active participation is crucial, since the learning process requires considerable practice. Regular attendance is an essential component of class participation. Students are allowed three unjustified absences. Additional absences will lower the class participation grade considerably.

Make sure your travel plans do not interfere with the class schedule. If you should miss a class, please contact another student to find out what was covered that day so that you will be prepared for the next class. 

DURING CLASS, PLEASE DO NOT:
- leave the room as it is distracting to the professor and to your classmates;
- answer your cell phone, read or send text messages; 
- use your computer for anything not related to the class (e.g. Facebook)
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE PROFESSOR’S DISCRETION. 


Week 1  (Jan 16, 18)

Introductions - In-class writing activity: "About Me"  
Readings and exercises from La prova orale: "Vacanze e turismo" (Vacations and Tourism)



Week 2 (Jan 23, 25)

Class discussion on La prova orale: "Razzismo e immigrazione" (Immigration and Racism) 
Begin reading Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio (Clash of Civilization Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio)
Essential Grammar: imperfect/past perfect



Week 3 (Jan 30, Feb 1)

Readings and excercises from La prova orale"Lavoro" (Work)
Essential Grammar: present and past subjunctive
Scontro di civiltà: reading and discussion


Week 4  (Feb 6, 8)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Giovani" (Young People)
Test 1 on Thursday



Week 5 (Feb 13, 15)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Genitori e figli" (Parents and Children) 
Essential Grammar: imperfect and pluperfect subjunctive/uses of subjunctive 
Scontro di civiltà: reading and discussion



Week 6 (Feb 20, 22)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Arte e patrimonio artistico" (Art and Artistic Patrimony)
Oral Presentation 1 on Thursday



Week 7 (Feb 27, March 1)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Politica" (Politics)
Midterm Review  
MIDTERM EXAM - March 1


Week 8  (March 6, 8)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Alimentazione e biotecnologia" (Food and Biotechnology)
Essential Grammar: "if clauses" 



Week 9 (March 13, 15)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Scuola" (School)



Week 10  (March 20, 22)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale: "Matrimonio sì, matrimonio no" (Marriage: yes or no)
Essential Grammar: remote past
Test 2 on Thursday



Week 11  (March 27, 29)

Scontro di civiltà: reading and discussion



SPRING BREAK (April 2-6)



Week 12 (April 10, 12)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale"Donna moderna" (Modern woman)
Oral Presentation 2 on Thursday


Week 13 (April 17, 19)

Readings and exercises from La prova orale
Scontro di civiltà: reading and discussion


Week 14 (April 24, 26)
Final Review

 FINAL EXAMINATIONS