Advanced Oral Communication I

This is an advanced-level oral communication course with particular attention given to the development of accurate and idiomatic oral expression. The course engages students in the active use of Italian through informal conversations, discussions of contemporary sociopolitical issues, debates, oral presentations, and discussions of readings. Particular themes and concerns will be studied so as to accentuate continuities between various disparate time frames. Students will read, discuss, and analyze selections of fictional and nonfiction texts as well as material drawn from contemporary short stories,journals, and periodicals. They will participate in class and group discussions, post their queries and written assignments on blogs and create video presentations that promote dialogue.