Course Outline
Italian II
Ms. Hennessey
shennessey@fenwickfriars.com
(708) 386-0127 ext 201
Course Description
Italian II will build upon the student’s current skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in
the Italian language. Through the study of proper pronunciation, new vocabulary, verb tenses,
idiomatic phrases, and cultural practices, the student will cultivate his/her appreciation for the
Italian culture as a whole.
Course Goals
The student will gain a better understanding of the language through the expansion of his/her
vocabulary and the use of new grammar principles. Through the frequent use of the Italian
language within the classroom, selective readings, and essay assignments, the student will increase
his/her fluency in the language and gain an appreciation for Italian culture.
Required Text
Oggi in Italia, by Merlonghi Merlonghi, Tursi, & O’Connor (8th edition)
Oggi in Italia Accompanying workbook / lab manual / video manual (8th edition)
Le Avventure di Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi
(This will be bought from the teacher during second semester, $22)
Italian-English dictionary
Required Class Materials
The student is required to have one spiral notebook and one pocket folder to be used
exclusively for this class. A red pen is essential for correcting homework, along with a black/blue
pen or pencil for tests, quizzes, note taking, and homework. All of these materials, including
required texts, must be brought to class on a daily basis. Points will be deducted for
unpreparedness. During the second semester Pinocchio unit, the student will be required to have
a separate folder with loose leaf paper to be used solely for Pinocchio handouts, homework, and
notes.
Suggested Materials
For additional help the student may find the following materials helpful:
501 Italian Verbs by John Colaneri and Vincent Luciani
Index cards for flashcards
Oggi in Italia’s Online Study Center
Online/iPad app dictionary (not translator)
www.raitalia.it
www.quia.com
http://quizlet.com/subject/oggi-in-italia/
Miscellaneous reading materials such as Italian newspapers, magazines, etc.
Grading Scale
The grading scale for this class will follow the grading scale set forth by the Fenwick handbook.
Students are responsible for keeping track of their own grades on Edline.
93 – 100 A
85 – 92 B
78 – 84 C
70 – 77 D
69 and below F
Evaluation Methods
Semester Grades
Grades will be determined by cumulative points on homework, quizzes, tests,
participation, classwork, and projects within each quarter but the the overall semester
grade will be based on the following distribution of those grades:
1st quarter average
2nd quarter average
Semester exam
Quizzes
40%
40%
20%
There will be 5 – 7 quizzes per chapter and each will be worth 10 – 50 points depending
upon the amount of content covered in the lesson. The quizzes will most often follow
an introduction to a lesson in verb conjugation, vocabulary, and other new grammar
principles in order to solidify the student’s comprehension.
Exams
There will be one exam for each chapter and will each be worth 100 – 150 points.
Exams will be given over the course of two consecutive days during the week following
the completion of the chapter and will be announced at least one week in advance. The
foreign language testing days are Monday and Thursday, therefore at least one part of
the exam will be scheduled on one of these days. Exams will cover material read by
students and discussed in class, and will include speaking, listening, writing, and reading
comprehension sections. There will be no curve and there will be no
exemptions from the final exam.
In the event of an excused absense, the student must make up a quiz or exam within two days
of the student’s return to school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher
regarding missed quizzes and exams. An unexcused absence during a quiz or exam and failure
to complete the quiz or exam within two days of an excused absense will result in a zero. If a
student is absent from the class on a quiz or test day or a homework/project due date but is in the
building, he/she must contact the teacher before the end of the day in order to make up the work missed
or to turn in the homework/project. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Homework
Homework will be given every day and is to be completed before class on the following
day. Late work will not be accepted. Homework will be checked for completion at the
beginning of every class. Any students that are involved in acts of plagiarism will receive
zero points for that entire week of homework.
Participation
Class participation is a necessary component in learning a language. Attending class
prepared with all necessary materials, being equipped with any questions regarding
lessons, adding to class discussions in Italian as frequently as possible and participating in
group work will all be part of the student’s final grade. Frequent disruptions unrelated to
the subject matter will result in lowered participation grades.
iPads
The iPad is to be used solely for educational purposes during classtime. iPads should be stored in
backpacks until instructed to use them. Unless specifically directed by the teacher, students are
not to use ipads for social media, games, taking photos, or recording video and/or audio.
Students must take handwritten notes in their notebooks and not on the iPad.
Additional Help
Ms. Hennessey will be available every day after school in Office 300-P and by appointment before
school. Students are strongly encouraged to practice speaking Italian in groups and to take
advantage of the Friar Mentors and the Write Place.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism as defined by the student handbook will not be tolerated. In addition to the examples
stated in the handbook, plagiarism includes the use of online translators and native
speakers/tutors when writing in Italian. Failure to abstain from plagiarizing will result in a grade of
zero for the assignment and will be reported on the student’s record. Please carefully read
the following page regarding plagiarism in the foreign language classroom, sign and
return to me.
Respect
I will treat all of you with respect and I ask that you return the favor. Show your classmates and
teachers respect and they will most likely do the same for you.
Remember…
Have fun and do not be afraid to stumble along the way. The best way to learn a language is to
speak, even if you make mistakes. It is more important to me that you participate in class (even if
you are incorrect) than to not participate at all.