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Italian 508
Spring 2007
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Syntax and Composition |
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Schedule:
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Beginning spring 07, all information is available through Blackboard
The goal of this course is: (a) to further develop the student’s skill in composition, (b) to study in detail element of syntax of the Italian language, (c) to master the basic vocabulary of literary criticism, and (d) to study the morphological and syntactical similarities and divergences between the English and the Italian languages, including the skill of translation.
There will one composition per week, which the students are to write a first draft, and a week late a final draft for the first ten weeks; from the eleventh week students will write only the final draft. In the first draft the instructor will mark errors with a letter-number code, directing the students’ attention to the area[s] involved in the error. Students will correct their own compositions for a grade.
Compositions will be based on readings drawn from various sources provided by the instructor, and are divided into three broad categories: (a) rewriting a passage in a different style, (b) translating a passage from English to Italian; and (c) writing a criticism on a short passage or poem.
Classroom work will include: analysis of samples of students’ writings, presentation and discussion of a passage or poem, study of the syntax and structure of the Italian language.
No text is required for compositions; however, students a responsible to purchase a textbook. Students must also have access to comprehensive dictionaries (available in the Reference Room of the Library, or py purchasing them).
Grading: Since the course emphasize writing, the final grade will be based on weekly compositions and class participation.
The last assignment will be composed during the examination week. It is due no later than one week following the last class.
Students are expected to be present at all classes. Students must e-mail their compositions as scheduled. No composition more than a week late will be accepted, and a grade of F will be registered instead. Absences will adversely affect the final grade.
Students not completing their compositions on time may loose the privilege to the second writing. The second writing must be done within one week.Assignment
These rules are strictly enforced for pedagogical reasons. Improvement can only be achieved in an even pace; There is no learning value in writing more than one composition at the same time to catch up. No more than one new composition may be handed in at one time.
Textbook: Dardano-Trifone Grammatica Italiana (latest edition -- Zanichelli Editore).
To purchase the textbook and comprehensive dictionaries, students may contact Trans Gobal Books in Long Island City, or buy by credit card at one of the following two Italian Internet Booksellers: http://www.internetbookshop.it or http://www.libreriauniversitaria.it
- If you have problem with searching for the book, here are three direct links: http://www.internetbookshop.it/ser/serdsp.asp?shop=1&c=OGAJ4ATXF5ULB
- Please buy the book before the beginning of the course.
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- Grammar pages
- terminologia
- Class
News (always check for communication from instructor)
- Writing in Italian in a Word Processor
- Direzioni per correggere i componimenti
- These pages are intended for students in ITL 508
