ITAL 101 - Hybrid - Elementary Italian 1 - Hybrid - Antonella Mattia

Introduction

Buongiorno! I am Professoressa Mattia, and I have the pleasure of introducing you to the Italian language and culture this Spring!

Course Description

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to express themselves using simple sentences in the present tense.

You will learn how to introduce and describe yourself and other people, how to talk about seasons and weather, clothing items, and sports. You will be able to talk about classes, your school day, family and relationships, activities, and your place of residence. Finally, you will learn about music, cinema, and travel in Italy.

This course is taught in Italian, and it corresponds to the first and second years of high school Italian. Not appropriate for native or heritage speakers. You will develop linguistic and cultural proficiency at the novice mid-level according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines.

What to Expect in this Course

Here are a few important things to keep in mind for this class:

1) First of all, remember that we learn more when we have fun. So, be prepared to make new friends and be active in class. During our in-person meetings, you will be paired up to practice dialogues and do exercises, as well as cultural presentations. Recent Italian videos, news, and film clips will be a part of our lessons.

2) This is not a lecture class, and everyone contributes to learning the language together. That’s why your attendance is mandatory at every scheduled class time. We effectively learn only when we are involved in speaking the language, besides reading and writing. 

3) This is an intensive class; we will meet in person twice a week for 8 weeks, so it is extremely important that you keep up the pace and do your homework by respecting the deadlines. Your participation in online assignments is key for you to pass this class. If you don’t come to class prepared you won’t have time to catch up and follow through. 

4) You will need to schedule several hours of study/homework time into your week. In the end, you will be so proud of yourself if you work hard, and your efforts will be rewarded when you find yourself having a conversation with an Italian on your travels to Italy!  

Types of Assessments

Online portion of class and Homework:  

1) Each week, a new module will be published in Canvas, which you will be required to complete as the online portion of this course. You will need to schedule 2 1/2 hours of your own time to complete the online portion of the course.

2) In addition to the module each week, you will do at least 2 hours of homework - which will be in Canvas and MindTap. Homework is essential to learning the language and passing the weekly quizzes, the midterm, and the final exam. If you don't do the MindTap homework, you will not pass.

Technology: At home, you will need access to a computer or tablet to access Canvas and do homework. This will also be helpful in class, if possible.

Communication with the Professoressa: Starting Monday, April 14th, use the Messaging tool in Canvas. I will respond to Canvas messages and COC emails within 24 hours on weekdays. I will not be available on weekends. Once class begins, contact me only through the Canvas messaging system, unless you have a technical issue with Canvas (in which case you may email me on my Canyons.edu email.

Textbook Information

Textbook Information

• The class will utilize both Canvas and MindTap to accompany your PIAZZA 2nd Edition eBook (hard copy is not necessary), as well as audio and videos to help with pronunciation, comprehension, and cultural resources.   
• Don't purchase course materials until you log into Canvas on the first day. You may ONLY purchase the Cengage subscription for our course through the Canvas link.  
• You will purchase course materials - or you can get a free 14-day trial - through a link in our Canvas course shell. The Cengage subscription includes the eBook (Piazza 2nd edition) and MindTap learning platform. Do not buy the book directly from Cengage or through third party sellers. You will not be able to participate in the course unless you buy the materials (textbook and digital platform) through the link in our Canvas course. 

Other Relevant Course Information

• I will send an email to the class one week prior to the start date with additional information.
• Begin the course by opening Canvas to our course on the first day. Read the introductory modules and start the assignments therein.
• Then, attend the first in-person class.
• Check your @canyons.edu email regularly for all course and school updates and course info. 

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 04/27/2025 Sub#: 1918