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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "IT 301-1"
COURSE NAME: "Advanced Grammar and Conversation"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Berenice Cocciolillo
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 1:30-2:45 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: MW 3:00-4:00 pm and 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
Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza VittorioAmara LakhousEdizioni e/o 978-88-7641-809-9      
Attiva il lessico (B1/B2)Juana Cattunar, Federica Colombo, Antonella Bolzoni, Paola Perrella, Silvia MemelliMondadori Education, Le Monnier italiano per stranieriISBN-10: 8800806503     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation, preparation, and homework 15
Oral presentationsTwo oral presentations (with a vocabulary list)15
QuizzesThere will be three quizzes on grammar and vocabulary.25
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 class.
BThis is a highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference 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:
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. Instagram)
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. 

Homework assignments and handouts will be posted daily on Moodle.


Sept. 2 - 4

Introductions - In-class writing activity: "About Me" 
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio;
Attiva il lessico: "Raccontare"

Sept. 9 - 11
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio
Attiva il lessico: "Personalità"
Grammar: imperfect/past perfect

Sept. 16 - 18 
Scontro di civiltà
Attiva il lessico:
"Esprimere opinioni"
Grammar: present and past subjunctive

Sept. 23 - 25
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio
Attiva il lessico: "Stati d'animo e situazioni"

Quiz 1

Sept. 30 - Oct. 2
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio 
Attiva il lessico: "Paesaggio e ambiente"
Grammar: Imperfect and pluperfect subjunctive/uses of subjunctive 

Oct. 7 - 9 
Attiva il lessico: "Università"
Oral Presentation 1

Oct. 14 - 16
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio
Attiva il lessico: "Arte"
Midterm Review 
MIDTERM EXAM

Oct. 21 - 23 
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio 
Attiva il lessico: "Musica"
Grammar: if clauses

Oct. 28 - 30
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio 
Attiva il lessico: "Cinema e televisione"
Quiz 2; view film

Nov. 4 - 6
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio 
Attiva il lessico: "Libri e giornali"
Grammarremote past

Nov. 11 - 13
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio 
Attiva il lessico: "Nuove tecnologie"

Nov. 18 - 20
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio
Attiva il lessico: "Mangiare italiano"
Oral Presentation 2
Quiz 3

Nov. 25 - 27
Reading from Scontro di civiltà per un ascensore a Piazza Vittorio
Attiva il lessico: "Descrivere ambienti e persone"
Oral Presentation 2

Dec. 2 - 4                                    
Final Review       

 Dec. 9-13:  FINAL EXAMINATIONS