March 22^nd – May 15^th

We have an exciting new online community - ItaLingua.Net - open to everybody interested in learning about Italian language and culture. The Community is the ideal place for students, teachers and others here in the Bay Area to practice Italian, find answers to questions and meet new friends in Italy. Come join us at: www.ItaLingua.Net

SPEAKING ITALIAN

Italian culture – art, cuisine, cinema, lifestyles, music, literature, fashion, politics – creates an inspirational starting point for animated discussions in these classes. Through readings and conversation, students will both enrich their knowledge of Italy and build a larger vocabulary with which to enjoy the country and its people.

IN CONVERSATION

The focus of this course is to improve conversation and vocabulary. Students are encouraged to practice speaking in class and reading short assignments.

INTERMEDIATE READING, WRITING & CONVERSATION

The students will be provided with written material such as short stories, articles, etc. that highlight various aspects of Italian culture. These topics will be used for discussion and the students will be encouraged to interact as much as possible. Special emphasis on vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.

ADVANCED READING, WRITING & CONVERSATION

Students will be encouraged to use real Italian language as they go through films, literature and listening to CD’s. They will discuss cultural topics, current social issues and the Italian culture in general. Important Italian personalities such as actors, politicians, writers, singers and many others will be introduced to the students.

ADVANCED CONVERSATION: CINEMA

Do Italians Like to Work? This course shows how cinema portrays comedy in the workplace!

The mythical Italian character of "Il ragionier Fantozzi" (Mr. Fantozzi the accountant) portrayed the misadventures of the "little man" in the 70s, having achieved his longtime goal to work a white collar job.

But Italy's new reality of "temp jobs" and "call centers", prompted a revival of a similar comedy in the recent "Tutta la vita davanti"(2008) of Paolo Virzì.

This film, as well as “Fantozzi” (1975) and “Il secondo tragico Fantozzi” (1976), will prompt a fun conversation about Italians' attitude at work, their habits, their idiosyncrasies, the trade-off between a sometimes alienating system and the national aspiration to a good life.

LETTERATURA

Andrea De Carlo
Treno di Panna (1981)

"Treno di Panna" is the first and most successful novel written by Andrea de Carlo, published in 1981 by Einaudi. In the preface Italo Calvino wrote "... the insatiable eyes which see the multicolor world magnified as it were under a hand lens. This is the youth narrated by De Carlo".

"Treno di Panna" is a novel about Gianni, a young Italian boy who emigrates to Los Angeles to realize his vague dream: to belong to the Hollywood world. He will deal with unforeseen difficulties, financial straits, and unexpected events…In 1998 this book became a movie directed by Sergio Rubini, and it has been shown at the Venice Film Festival.

DETAILS, DETAILS

1. Students may enroll in person during normal business hours. Alternatively, students may send the attached enrollment form with a check or pay by cash. Please send payment to: 870 Market Street, Suite 446, San Francisco, CA 94102. Full payment must be made at least 24 hours before the first class. We reserve the right to charge an additional 10% for late enrollment.
2. Pre-registration is required as we make every attempt to limit the classes to 16 students. We are unable to offer classes without sufficient enrollment (minimum of 7 students per class) and we reserve the right to cancel or rearrange classes if enrollment is less than the minimum.
3. Class changes can be made during the 1st and 2nd week of the term only.
4. Non-discriminatory policy: Italingua admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

1. Students who would like to enroll in our Berkeley classes may send the attached enrollment form together with a check or pay by cash prior to the first day of class: Italingua, 870 Market Street, Suite 446, San Francisco, CA 94102.
2. Please call our main office in San Francisco (415) 362-6025 for any questions you might have concerning our Berkeley location.