This course, which is conducted solely in Italian, is intended for students with an advanced level of Italian. Students examine and analyze different aspects of written Italian using sources ranging from creative texts, academic texts and texts written for practical purposes. The students also develop the ability to reproduce different writing styles, integrating advanced grammatical structures. 

The course has both theoretical and practical components in order to improve the ability of the student to analyze written texts, recognize their different typologies, summarize the topics and use the new vocabulary and the structures studied. On the basis of extensive analysis of a variety of texts, students practice advanced reading and writing skills. Studying elements of advanced grammar and syntax will improve the accuracy of the student’s writing. Working on different typologies of text will develop the student’s ability to analyze, summarize and discuss the topics in the reading texts. The work on the readings also introduces new vocabulary and part of the course is dedicated to the practice of choosing the most appropriate words.The composition assignments will address different genres of writing, including (but not limited to): blogs, text messaging (SMS), short stories, articles, and reviews. Work in class also provides the opportunity to check and develop accuracy in critical areas such as spelling, punctuation, and the difference between written and spoken registers. The class is given in a workshop format, and student participation is essential to its success. In order to follow the structure of the course and reach the goals, students must follow the timetable of the readings and writings assigned as homework. Students will work both in groups and individually. Work in class and at home will include summaries, synopses, bullet-point schemes, writing and re-writing, peer reviewing, and related research.

All written assignments must be typed.

Make sure you have time to print them out before class.

Late papers will be penalized.

Format for assignments written at home:

• Typewritten on standard (A4) paper
• Double-spaced to leave room for corrections
• Paragraphs indented but no extra spaces between them
• Name and date in the top left corner of the first page
• Title centered over the essay, capitalized

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

• Distinguish the different typologies of the texts, understand and summarize the topics.
• Apply the structures necessary for the production of both creative and practical texts.
• Produce different type of texts using complex syntax, appropriate expressions and precise, not vague, vocabulary.
• Use different registers of Italian, in relation to the text chosen and to their own personal and professional needs

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.

Regular attendance is an essential component of the class participation grade. Students are allowed three unexcused absences. Additional absences will lower the participation portion of the grade considerably. Should you 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.