Open a window into contemporary Italian life and deepen your language learning by studying the Italian and the Italy that is not in your textbook. What does Italian hip hop and rap sound like? What are the chants of the most spirited soccer fans? What cross-cultural observations are the best Italian pundits making? What did Pinocchio have to say that Walt Disney left out of his version? What lies beyond Tuscany, Rome, Venice and Milan? Follow your language learning beneath the surface and see the good and the bad of Italy.
Accelerated sections of Italian 002 and 003, as an alternative to regular sections of the same courses, allows motivated students to share their passion for Italian language and culture with their instructor and peers and creates the possibility to cover more material in greater depth. This select group of students benefits from greater instructor/student interaction and develops a valuable rapport with their instructor. Lessons are enriched with varied media and authentic cultural materials (such as music, films, readings, Italian websites, TV commercials, and Italian newspapers) to further the study and application of grammar concepts, as well as enhance writing, comprehension, and speaking abilities. Accelerated Italian strongly facilitates a livelier exploration and discussion of Italy’s language and traditions. It focuses on elaborating students’ knowledge of Italian history, culture, and customs, as well as offering a glimpse into contemporary Italian life.
For Spring semester 2011, the accelerated sections will be Section 002 of Italian 002 and Section 006 of Italian 003, both meeting 10:10-11:00am MT RF. Students completing this course are ideal candidates for 300 and 400 level coursework in Italian. Moreover, the coursework provides excellent preparation for students planning on studying abroad, wanting to solidify their language skills, and/or considering an Italian minor. SHC students and Paterno Fellows are eligible to pursue an Honors option in the accelerated Italian courses.
If you have questions about the courses, please contact Jason Laine at jcl20@psu.edu. If you are ready to sign up for the course, send an email to Rebecca Cross at rlc21@psu.edu and make sure to cc Jason Laine (jcl20@psu.edu) on this email as well.