The  University  of  Western  Ontario  Department  of  Modern  Languages  and  Literatures  

 Italian 1030

Italian for Beginners 2014-2015 (tentative)

Antirequisite: Students with Grade 12U Italian or OAC Italian, or with previous knowledge of Italian must consult the Department before registering for this course.

Course Content Benvenuti! Welcome to Italian 1030: Italian for Beginners! This course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of Italian. The aim of this course is to introduce you to the standard Italian language in an active and practical way. It will also allow you to acquire an understanding of the multifaceted culture of contemporary Italy. Students are strongly recommended to use Italian from day 1. Objectives

to develop the ability to understand, speak, read, and write basic Italian to enable students to express themselves in different cultural contexts to provide students with the understanding of elementary grammatical structures to have an insight into the Italian culture and society to build solid foundations for progression to Italian 2200 as well as for other

Italian modules in the Italian program at Western. to encourage a positive attitude towards language learning and the exploring and

understanding of different cultures Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

understand questions and short texts in the target language hold basic conversations within the range of topics explored read short passages dealing with contemporary social issues and daily life in Italy

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create oral presentations and written texts on specific topics master basic grammatical structures and use them actively in oral and written expression develop an understanding of Italian culture and an appreciation of cultural

differences At least one hour of study and revision for every one hour spent in class each week are strongly recommended. Students might also benefit from study partners and weekly tutorials (schedule to be announced). Required Texts (will be available at Western's Book Store): The Italian Project 1a AND The Italian Project 1b (Please note: 2 volumes, each including Student’s book, workbook and video activities + DVD + audio CD) Volume 1a: ISBN 978-960-693-019-5 Volume 1b: ISBN 978-960-693-020-1 Author: Marin, T.; Magnelli, S. Publisher: Edilingua, Roma.   Dieci Racconti ISBN  978-­‐960-­‐6632-­‐91-­‐4  Author: Dominici Publisher: Edilingua, Roma.   Recommended Supplementary Material: - English Grammar for Students of Italian: The Study Guide for Those Learning Italian Authors: Sergio Adorni and Karen Primorac; Publisher (O&H Study Guides) (available at Western’s Book Store by the end of September) - Bilingual Dictionary: Collins or Oxford Italian Dictionary; online bilingual dictionaries: http://www.garzantilinguistica.it/ AND http://oxfordparavia.it/

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Method of Evaluation Preparation + Participation: 10% 4 Tests: 30% 6 Quizzes: 12% Group Work: 5% 3 Journal Assignments: 6% Blog postings: 2% Final Oral Test: 5% Final Exam: 30% Preparation and Participation: Students are expected to maintain regular attendance, participate actively in class (i.e. asking questions, participating in activities etc.), complete all assignments on their own and before coming to class, and show willingness to communicate in the target language. Participation is assessed on the basis of day-to-day preparation (completing readings and assignments), overall in-class performance and progress, and participation in group work and in-class activities and discussions. Students who miss classes or parts of classes are responsible for the material they have missed. Instructors are not obliged to review the contents of lectures, repeat announcements, or retain notes, hand-outs. More than 10 absences over the two terms will result in a zero in this grade component. Missed Assignments Students seeking academic accommodation on medical or non-medical grounds for any missed tests, exams, participation components and/or assignments must apply to the Academic Counselling office of their home Faculty and provide documentation. Academic accommodation cannot be granted by the instructor or department. Please refer to the Policy on Accommodation for Medical Illness https://studentservices.uwo.ca/secure/index.cfm and download a Student Medical Certificate (SMC): https://studentservices.uwo.ca Please keep in mind that you might have more than one test during the same week. This does not constitute a valid justification for missing an assignment in Italian 1030. Compare all tests and midterms dates for your courses to plan ahead your study time and avoid unnecessary stress. Statement on Academic Policies The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Policies which govern the conduct, standards, and expectations for student participation in Modern Languages and Literatures courses is available in the Undergraduate section of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures website at http://www.uwo.ca/modlang/undergraduate/policies.html It is your responsibility to understand the policies set out by the Senate and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, and thus ignorance of these policies cannot be used as grounds of appeal.

A+ 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D 50-59 F below 50

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Statement on Academic Offences Scholastic offences are taken seriously and students are directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a Scholastic Offence, at http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf Note: Plagiarism is a major academic offense (see Scholastic Offense Policy in the Western Academic Calendar). Plagiarism is the inclusion of someone else's verbatim or paraphrased text in one's own written work without immediate reference. This also applies to work facilitated or written for students by third parties. The University of Western Ontario uses a plagiarism-checking site called Turnitin.com.

Support for Students The university offers several important support services for students. Among those of interest to you:

http://www.health.uwo.ca/mental_health/ for a list of options on how to get help if you find yourself in a distressful situation. The Student Development Center includes the writing support center and learning skills services, services for indigenous students, services for international students, services for students with disabilities and psychological services: http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/

The Student Success Center helps students with all areas of career management, but includes a wide range of programs for First Year Students, Mature Students, Scholars and those interested in leadership training: http://www.success.uwo.ca/careers/

Student code of conduct

Student are required to adhere to the student code of conduct. http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/board/code.pdf

Classroom use of electronic device Please be advised that the instructor might require a student to shut down a computer or any electronic device if used for purposes others than those related to the course. Cell phones and any other type of PDA are to be set on vibration mode or turned off during class at all times. Students are asked not to engage in phone conversations, texting, twitting or facebooking during class time for the benefit of their own overall learning experience and that of their fellow classmates. Repeated breach of these guidelines will result with the student being excused for the rest of the class with consequent loss of any in-class assignment or partecipation mark for that day.