A continuation of IT 201.  While continuing the review of grammar, the course emphasizes the development of reading and composition skills in the context of the Italian culture.  Literary readings are an important component of this course.   Prerequisite: Placement or IT 201.

The course is designed to review and study in-depth the following grammar points: verb tenses in the indicative and the subjunctive moods, relative and demonstrative pronouns, the imperative, if clauses, adverbs, comparatives and superlatives, the use of the infinitive, the gerund and the participle, the verb fare followed by an infinitive, verbs of perception followed by an infinitive, passive and impersonal forms, indirect discourse, and the use of prepositions and conjunctions.  The course concentrates on consolidating specific communicative tasks, including stating opinions and constructing hypotheses, in both speaking and writing.  Specialized vocabulary is expanded and appropriate variables in register are introduced in expository writing and conversation.

Upon completing this course, students will possess the ability to:

-Understand written and spoken Italian at the upper intermediate level

-Participate in complex conversations on a variety of topics, using present, past, conditional, future tenses

-Ask and obtain information in a variety of settings

Express opinions, feelings, needs, approval and disapproval

-Comprehend the general meaning and details of upper-intermediate level texts (including literary passages)

-Produce written texts on a variety of topics, using present, past, conditional, and future tenses

-Understand and use the subjunctive mood both in speaking and writing

-Express possibility and impossibility

-Make conjectures.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C, D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge 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.

B:  This 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.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This 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.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

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. The final grade will be lowered by 2 points for each additional absence. Make sure your travel plans do not interfere with the class schedule.

MAKE-UPS

The Midterm and Final Exam can only be made up with approval from the Dean of Academic Affairs  (Please see the John Cabot University Catalog and Student Handbook).