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ADULT CLASSES

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Grammar and Conversazione

BEGINNER LEVEL 1
BEGINNER LEVEL 1 is designed for students who need basic Italian grammar. The course focuses on Italian phonetic (starting with the alphabet), common phrases, verb conjugations (especially to be and to have), and grammar (articles, prepositions, adjectives, and pronouns). The course gives students a foundation and basic tools to interact effectively in everyday Italian.

BEGINNER LEVEL 2
BEGINNER LEVEL 2 is designed for students who have a basic knowledge and understanding of Italian grammar. Students learn present and simple past verb tenses, grammar, and practice listening and speaking skills. Class exercises, both oral and written focus on everyday Italian.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 1 reinforces the basic rules of grammar, while introducing the imperfetto, trapassato prossimo, conditional, and reflexive verb tenses. Students learn vocabulary and become proficient at understanding in Italiano the main idea of a text, news, information or directions, Italian spoken in the streets, dialogue from movies, lyrics to songs, etc.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2
In INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2 students master the imperative, the comparative and superlative, relative pronouns, compound prepositions, and study the subjunctive verb. Students read and write sentences at an intermediate level. Conversation is encouraged on all topics. By the end of the course students have a complete introduction to the breadth and depth of Italian grammar and begin to converse with less effort.

ADVANCED LEVEL 1
In ADVANCED LEVEL 1 students study advanced grammar, such as: periodo ipotetico, passato e trapassato remoto, la forma passiva, discorso diretto—indiretto, gerundio, etc. More time is dedicated to speaking, with a focus on pronunciation and fluidity of coversation. At this level students are able to read a variety of texts and articles and summarize content both orally and written.

ADVANCED LEVEL 2
ADVANCED LEVEL 2 is designed for students possessing a solid knowledge of Italian grammar and culture. Students are proficient at expressing ideas at a university level. This course takes most grammatical rules for granted and focuses almost entirely on conversation. Topics of art, culture, current events, and other areas of interest are discussed in Italiano.


Italian Language and Culture

ITALIAN DECORATIVE PAINTING
Level : Beginner/Intermediate
ITALIAN DECORATIVE PAINTING for teens and adults is a hands-on art class in which students learn the techniques of the classical Italian craft, including application of wall glazing, Venetian plaster, gilding, faux-art, and floor painting. Pattern design is explored, from Roman mosaic floors to historical textiles of the great masters. The instructor demonstrates step by step a wide range of surface treatments: designs using stencils, silk-screen printing, and freehand painting. Students create a variety of samples for their portfolios. Classes are taught in both English and Italian. Lucretia Moroni, artist and designer, instructs the DECORATIVE PAINTING classes for teens and adults.

TEATRO ITALIANO is a workshop designed for adults who would like to improve their Italian through the art of acting, directing, creating, and having fun doing theater. The students, with teacher guidance, create a play, including the costumes and songs. Participants also master pronunciation and learn new Italian vocabulary, idioms, and grammar through performing. At the end of the workshop, the class stages a play entirely in Italiano! Professional actor, artistic director, and teacher Laura Caparrotti leads the workshop for all ages and skill level.

In FAMILY CUISINE OF NORTHERN ITALY you take an exclusive culinary journey into the history and legends of world-renowned cuisine from Bologna to Turin, learn age-old recipes, prepare food, and enjoy the wines, cheeses, pasta, meats, and desserts that have been the best-kept secrets of Italian families. The class is taught in both Italian and English. Accomplished chef and cookbook author, Riccardo Costa, shares new culinary secrets each week in the cooking class.

Italian Cinema is coming back, stronger than ever. From weekly screenings of contemporary Italian movies that focus on present-day Italian society and culture, students begin to understand Italy's "new mentality" and customs. You'll have ample opportunities to practice speaking la belle lingue during the class CONVERSATIONS ON CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN CINEMA. Writer and director Riccardo Costa leads the discussion on film and society in Italiano.