902 Spring 2016

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF WORLD STUDIES
ELEMENTARY ITALIAN 13488 Ital 101 -902 Spring 2016
Classes: T/R 4:30-6:45 p.m. – Harris Hall- Room 2122
Instructor: Gabriella Valsecchi, MA (2014, 1985)
E-mail : [email protected]
Office hours (in the library and by appointment): T/R 3:15- 4:15 pm.
Students can schedule an appointment asking me before/after class or by e-mail.
Office: School of World Studies, 312 N. Shafer St, Room 304
Office telephone number: (804)-827-3432
Course description: This class will provide beginning students with tools to develop
communicative competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as become
familiar with the Italian culture. Students will learn the Italian language and aspects of
Italian daily life, traditions and customs by interacting in pair and group work,
participating in classroom conversation, completing reading assignments and homework,
and viewing videos. The course will be taught in Italian with exception made for difficult
grammar points or explanations. Italian 101 is a course for beginning students of the
Italian language. After successful completion of this course, students may take ITAL 102,
201, 202/ 205, 300, 320, 330, and 391 here or in any other Study Abroad Course to
complete the requirement for Italian Studies. Students may also study Italian Culture in
English, following the Courses VCU offers during the semester.
Blackboard and “www.myitalianlanguagelabs.com”: All announcements and
assignments will be posted daily on Blackboard and homework will also be assigned on
myitalianlab. You are responsible for reading the daily assignments and announcements
on Blackboard, and for submitting all assignments/homework on the due date.
Attendance: Class attendance is mandatory and will be marked every day as a
component of your grade together with participation (see Participation below, and
please remember to sign the sheet you will find at the entrance of the class).
As per SWS FOREIGN LANGUAGE ATTENDANCE POLICY:
"Success in a language course is directly related to classroom performance. Our policy
requires every student to attend class on a regular basis. The policy has been designed to
accommodate reasonable student needs while maintaining the academic integrity of our
courses and programs. Students should remember that: ABSENCES FROM CLASS
ADVERSELY AFFECT STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND THE ABILITY TO
EARN A HIGH FINAL GRADE.”
During Fall semester, the maximum allowed number of absences may not exceed 4
Italian 101
1
absences for classes meeting 2 times per week. If the student exceeds the number of 4
absences before March 25 the student should officially withdraw from the class. If the
student exceeds the number of absences after March 25, the final grade will be lowered
by one-letter –grade for each additional absences (i.e. a grade of A would become a B
after one extra absence, and a C after 2 extra absences).
We make exceptions for religious holidays, and for extreme unforeseen circumstances.
A doctor's note does not represent an excuse for an absence, unless it states that the
student was ill for a prolonged period of time with a condition that prevented him/her
from attending class. Doctor appointments, interview appointments and other scheduled
appointments are not considered acceptable excuses, as the student is expected to
schedule these appointments outside of class time.
Lateness. Late arrivals disrupt the class. If you arrive late (5 minutes or more after class
start time) you might be asked to leave the class. Three late arrivals count as one absence.
Early departure from class or prolonged stepping out of class for more than 5 minutes
will count as one or more tardies and possibly as an absence, depending on the amount of
time missed.
JUST ONE make-up test will be allowed during the semester. If you have been absent,
contact a classmate or the instructor or check www.mylanguagelabs.com AND Blackboard
to find out the assignments that you missed. I’m always glad to give you catch up classes
(in the Library) but these have to be planned in advance. You are responsible for learning
the material covered before the next class period.
All cell phones must remain turned off during class time.
.
Participation: Everyone is required to actively contribute to the class. Students must
have the textbook, a notebook to take notes and be alert and regularly responsive in class.
Attendance and Participation will be graded on a scale of 0 – 5 according to the following
rubric:
5 points: Exceptional contribution is characterized by being an outstanding participant. The student
is ALWAYS engaged, attentive and focused.
4 points: Substantial contribution. FREQUENTLY makes comments, asks questions and
contributes to the class.
3 points: Expected contribution. SOMETIMES makes comments, asks questions and contributes
to the class.
2 points: Marginal contribution. RARELY makes comments, asks questions or contributes to the
class.
1 point: Minimal contribution. ALMOST NEVER makes comments, asks questions or contributes.
0 points: Little to no contribution. NEVER makes comments, asks questions or contributes unless
called on by name.
Italian 101
2
Homework: Homework will be regularly assigned. Students are responsible for
reviewing and understanding the MyLanguageLab graded homework. I`ll correct and
grade the other assignments.
Homework is to be completed BEFORE the beginning of the class. Late homework will
be accepted and corrected but will be graded as a "0".
PLEASE: It is crucial that you come to class prepared. Please read the syllabus and
prepare for class. Always read the grammar/vocabulary paragraphs BEFORE COMING
TO CLASS (you`ll find it easier to understand the explanation given in class).
Compositions: Specific topics for compositions will be given to you via Blackboard.
All compositions must be typed in Times New Roman, 12, double-spaced in paragraph
form. Three compositions will be assigned during the semester. You will follow the
instructions you will find on assignments and submit your composition when it is due.
Tests: Vocabulary and grammar will be tested. There will be tests or mini-tests every
week, and a Final Test (Exam) at the end of the semester. Just one make-up test (but
not the final test) will be allowed during the semester. Your lowest grade will be
dropped at the end of the semester and you can re-take the worst mini-test to improve
your score.
Oral exam: The oral exam will take place at the end of the course. It is an exam based on
the grammar and vocabulary covered in class during the semester. I will ask three questions
to each student in order to assess her/his oral communication skills.
The Oral Exam date is Tuesday, May 3. It will be given in our classroom, according to a
calendar that we will agree upon and you will find on Blackboard announcements the week
before.
Final exam: The final written exam will cover all the grammar and vocabulary taught in
class during the semester.
The Final Exam date is Tuesday, May 10 from 4:00 to 6:4 p.m.
Author : Italiano, Marchegiani
Title: Percorsi: L'Italia Attraverso la Lingua e la Cultura 3rd edition –
Pearson
Required: Textbook, MyItalianLab.
Textbook
ISBN : 0133778002 9780133778007
PLEASE NOTE:
Course ID: CRSKLDB-10034267(this is the code you need to register for your
class during myitalianlab registration).
To know how to register see “ Get started with Pearson`s MyLanguageLab”
at the end of the syllabus, on Blackboard.
Italian 101
3
• English-Italian Oxford Dictionary.
Other
optional
material
• Dizionario Online :
Grading
criteria
Attendance and active participation
Mini Tests
Tests
Compositions
Homework
Oral Exam
Final Exam
Grading
scale
A
B
C
D
F
http://www.garzantilinguistica.it/
http://www.dizionario-italiano.it/
http://www.wordreference.com/it/
5%
5%
30%
15%
15%
10%
20%
(90-100)
(80-89)
(70-79)
(60-69)
(59 and below)
Statements for Syllabi and Blackboard Pages
This content was last updated in January 2016. Please reference
http://provost.vcu.edu/faculty-resources/academic-affairs/syllabus-statements/ for the
online version.
The topics include:
Class registration required for attendance
Honor System: upholding academic integrity
Important dates
Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual misconduct
Military short-term training or deployment
Student conduct in the classroom
Student email policy
Student financial responsibility
Students representing the university – excused absences
Students with disabilities
VCU Mobile
Italian 101
4
Withdrawal from classes
Campus emergency information
What to know and do to be prepared for emergencies at VCU:
 Sign up to receive VCU text messaging alerts. Keep your information up-to-date.
Within the classroom, the professor will keep his or her phone on to receive any
emergency transmissions.
 Know the safe evacuation route from each of your classrooms. Emergency
evacuation routes are posted in on-campus classrooms.
 Listen for and follow instructions from VCU or other designated authorities.
Within the classroom, follow your professor's instructions.
 Know where to go for additional emergency information.
 Know the emergency phone number for the VCU Police (828-1234).
 Report suspicious activities and objects.
 Keep your permanent address and emergency contact information current in
eServices.
Class registration required for attendance
Students may attend only those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not
add students to class rosters or Blackboard. Therefore, if students are attending a class for
which they have not registered, they must stop attending.
Honor System: upholding academic integrity
The VCU Honor System policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and
administration in upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the
rights of individuals to the due process offered by administrative hearings and appeals.
According to this policy, "Members of the academic community are required to conduct
themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity."
In addition, "All members of the VCU community are presumed to have an
understanding of the VCU Honor System and are required to:
 Agree to be bound by the Honor System policy and its procedures;
 Report suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
 Support an environment that reflects a commitment to academic integrity;
 Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System cases;
 Maintain confidentiality regarding specific information in Honor System cases."
More information can be found at in the VCU policy library under the Education and
Student Life tab.
Italian 101
5
Important dates
You can view important dates for the semester in the academic calendar.
Mandatory responsibility of faculty members to report incidents of sexual
misconduct
It is important for students to know that all faculty members are mandated reporters of
any incidents of sexual misconduct/violence (e.g., sexual assault, sexual exploitation and
partner or relationship violence). This means that faculty cannot keep information about
sexual misconduct/violence confidential if you share that information with them and they
must report this information immediately to the university's Title IX Coordinator. In
addition, department chairs, deans, and other unit administrators are required to report
incidents of sex or gender-based discrimination to the university's Title IX Coordinator.
Confidential reporting sources include staff in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence at
the Wellness Resource Center, University Counseling Services and University Student
Health Services. The Policy on Sexual Misconduct/Violence and Sex/Gender
Discrimination - Interim, can be found in the VCU Policy Library.
Military short-term training or deployment
If military students receive orders for short-term training or for deployment/mobilization,
they should inform and present their orders to Military Student Services and to their
professor(s). For further information on policies and procedures contact Military Student
Services at 828-5993 or access the corresponding policies.
Student conduct in the classroom
According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings, "The
university is a community of learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility
for creating and maintaining an environment that supports effective instruction. In order
for faculty members (including graduate teaching assistants) to provide and students to
receive effective instruction in classrooms, laboratories, studios, online courses, and other
learning areas, the university expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and
cooperative manner." Among other things, cell phones should be turned off while in the
classroom. The Student Code of Conduct also prohibits the possession of or carrying of
any weapon. For more information see
http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=3436.
Student email policy
Email is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers
information in a convenient, timely, cost-effective, and environmentally aware manner.
Students are expected to check their official VCU email on a frequent and consistent
basis in order to remain informed of university-related communications. The university
recommends checking email daily. Students are responsible for the consequences of not
Italian 101
6
reading, in a timely fashion, university-related communications sent to their official VCU
student email account. This policy ensures that all students have access to this important
form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized
channel by faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU email
address may include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary
action. Please read the policy in its entirety at the VCU Policy Library under the
Education and Student Life tab.
Student financial responsibility
Students assume the responsibility of full payment of tuition and fees generated from
their registration and all charges for housing and dining services, and other applicable
miscellaneous charges. Students are ultimately responsible for any unpaid balance on
their account as a result of the University Financial Aid Office or their third party sponsor
canceling or reducing their award(s).
Students representing the university – excused absences
Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules.
Student athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should
provide their schedules to their instructors at the beginning of the semester. The
Intercollegiate Athletic Council strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or
exams (because of a scheduling conflict) as excused absences and urges faculty to work
with the students to make up the work or exam.
Students with disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, as amended, require that VCU provide "academic adjustments" or "reasonable
accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental impairment that
substantially limits a major life activity. To receive accommodations, students must
register with the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus (8282253) or the Division for Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). Please also
visit the Disability Support Services website and/or the Division for Academic Success
website for additional information.
Once students have completed the DSS registration process, they should schedule a
meeting with their instructor (s) and provide their instructor (s) with an official DSS
accommodation letter. Accommodation letters will outline the required classroom
accommodations. Additionally, if coursework requires the student to work in a lab
environment, the student should advise the instructor or a department chairperson of any
concerns that the student may have regarding safety issues related to a disability. Students
should follow this procedure for all courses in the academic semester.
VCU Mobile
The VCU Mobile application is a valuable tool to get the latest VCU information on the
go. The application contains helpful information including the VCU directory, events,
course schedules, campus maps, athletics and general VCU news, emergency
Italian 101
7
information, library resources, Blackboard and more. To download the application on
your smart phone or for more information, please visit http://m.vcu.edu.
Withdrawal from classes
Before withdrawing from classes, students should consult their instructor as well as other
appropriate university offices. Withdrawing from classes may negatively impact a
student’s financial aid award and his or her semester charges. To discuss financial aid and
the student bill, visit the Student Services Center at 1015 Floyd Avenue (Harris Hall)
and/or contact your financial aid counselor regarding the impact on your financial aid.
Italian 101
8
In the following tables you will find a basic outline of the expected pace of work.
The calendar is approximate and I reserve the right to modify the schedule, based
on the progress of the class.
DATA
Martedì
19
gennaio
Giovedì
21
gennaio
Martedì
26
gennaio
Giovedì
28
gennaio
Martedì
2 febbraio
CAPITOLO
Capitolo
Preliminare
Presentazione del corso.
Pronuncia e alfabeto.
Espressioni utili in classe e per
conversare.
Capitolo 1
Saluti e presentazioni.
Formale e informale.
Capitolo 1
Ciao, sono...
I Pronomi soggetto,
il presente di Stare.
L`onomastico.
I numeri da 1 a 31
Capitolo 1
Le date, i giorni, i mesi,
i numeri da zero a cento,
informazioni personali,
nazioni, nazionalità.
Capitolo 1
Informazioni personali,
il presente di Essere.
Mini Test 1
(giorni mesi,)
Video(la vita di ogni giorno 1)
Capitolo 1
In pratica pg 34 - 39
Preparazione Test1
Video (Ritorno a Roma 1)
Giovedì
4 febbraio
Capitolo 2
Italian 101
TEST E ESAMI
Cosa c`è in classe.
Il genere dei nomi.
.
Mini test 2
(nazioni/nazionalità)
Test 1
(Preliminare + Cap
1)
IN LAB (HIBBS)
9
DATA
Martedì
9 febbraio
Giovedì
11
febbraio
Martedì
16
febbraio
Giovedì
18
febbraio
Martedì
23
febbraio
Giovedì
25
febbraio
Martedì
1 marzo
Giovedì
3 marzo
Italian 101
CAPITOLO
TEST E ESAMI
Capitolo 2
In classe.
L’articolo indeterminativo,
il presente di Avere.
C`è/ Ci sono.
Mini test 3
(I numeri da 0 a 100)
Capitolo 2
L`università,
l`accordo degli aggettivi, le
preposizioni(a/di), il plurale dei
nomi, l`articolo determinativo.
Mini test 4
(gli oggetti in classe).
Capitolo 2
Le attività a scuola,
il presente dei verbi in –ARE.
Mini test 5 ( palazzi,
edifici, strutture).
Capitolo 2
Capitolo 2
Capitolo 3
il verbo Fare.
In pratica (pag 68- 73)
Preparazione Test 2
Video (la vita di ogni giorno 2)
Video (Ritorno a Roma 2)
Mini test 6
(le materie)
Test 2(Cap.2)
Descrizione delle persone,
caratteristiche fisiche e psicologiche.
Capitolo 3
Descrizione delle persone:
l`aggettivo,
la quantità : quanto, molto, poco,
troppo.
Capitolo 3
L`abbigliamento.
La quantità: dei, degli, delle.
Bello e quello.
Mini Test 7 (voc.
caratteristiche
fisiche/psicologiche)
10
DATA
CAPITOLO
6-13
marzo
Martedì
15 marzo
Giovedì
17 marzo
Martedì
22 marzo
Giovedì
24 marzo
Martedì
29 marzo
Giovedì
31 marzo
Martedì
5 aprile
Giovedì
7 aprile
Italian 101
TEST E ESAMI
SPRINGBREAK
Capitolo 3
Capitolo 3
Capitolo 3
Capitolo 4
Capitolo 4
Le attività preferite,
verbo Piacere,
il presente dei verbi in -ERE/-IRE
Mini test 8
(abbigliamento)
In pratica pg 98 -103
Video (la vita di ogni giorno 3)
Preparazione test 3
Video (Ritorno a Roma 3)
Le attività di tutti i giorni.
L`ora.
Composizione 1
Test 3 (Cap.3)
Le attività di tutti i giorni,
il presente dei Verbi Riflessivi.
Capitolo 4
I pasti, il cibo.
La quantità: del, dell`, dello, della
Il presente di bere.
Capitolo 4
Le stagioni, il tempo, le attività nelle
diverse stagioni.
Presente di Andare/Venire/Uscire.
Mini test 9
(cibo, bevande)
Capitolo 4
Espressioni con avere, previsioni del
tempo.
In pratica : pag.130-131
Video (La vita di ogni giorno 4)
Mini test 10
(stagioni/tempo)
11
DATA
Martedì
12 aprile
Giovedì
14 aprile
CAPITOLO
Capitolo 4
Capitolo 5
TEST E ESAMI
Preparazione Test 4
Video (Ritorno a Roma 4)
Mini test 11
(attività nelle
diverse stagioni)
La famiglia e i parenti.
Test 4
(Capitolo 4)
In LAB - HIBBS
Composizione 2
Martedì
19 aprile
Giovedì
21 aprile
Martedì
26 aprile
Giovedì
28 aprile
Aggettivi/Pronomi possessivi,
Presente di conoscere/sapere.
Capitolo 5
Capitolo 5
Capitolo 5
Le Feste in famiglia, Presente di
Dare e Dire.
Le faccende di casa
Presente di Dovere/Potere/Volere.
In pratica pag 163- 165
Video(la vita di ogni giorno 5)
Ripasso (dal capitolo preliminare al
capitolo 6)
Calendario orali
Preparazione esame orale
Preparazione esame scritto
Mini test 12
(famiglia)
Mini test 13
(le feste in famiglia)
Composizione 3
Video (Ritorno a Roma 5)
Italian 101
12
DATA
Martedì
3 maggio
Martedì
10
maggio
CAPITOLO
TEST E ESAMI
Esame orale
(vedi calendario su Blackboard)
Esame scritto
Cap. 1-5
Esame orale : Martedì 3 maggio in classe (vedi calendario su
Blackboard- announcements)
Esame scritto: Martedì 10 maggio (4:30 – 6:45 pm ) in classe/lab.
Buon Lavoro!
Gabriella Valsecchi
Italian 101
13