info@italianassociation.org

Italian Association of Arizona

SEPTEMBER 2023
Dates: Classes start the week of September 11, 2023 – REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

The Italian Association of Arizona is pleased to offer Italian language classes to the community. We offer courses in Fall, Winter, and Spring. All courses are 10-weeks long, and each class is 1.5 hours, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

The classes meet online via Zoom.

All classes aim to promote an adequate understanding and practice of the Italian language vocabulary, sentence structures, and culture. Class work is collaborative, tasks are communicative in the target language, and we utilize audio and video resources to illustrate, practice, and learn new material. After each class, the instructor may assign homework. Consistent homework completion is key to retaining the information and ensuring smooth learning growth. Getting together to practice with classmates outside the class is strongly encouraged!

CLASS OFFERING

  • LEVEL I – This class is for students with little or basic knowledge of Italian.
  • LEVEL II – This class is for students with a beginning knowledge of Italian and those continuing Level I.
  • LEVEL III – This class is for students with a solid beginning knowledge of Italian and those continuing Level II.
  • LEVEL IV – This class is for students continuing Level III.
  • INTERMEDIATE I – This class is for students with a strong knowledge of Italian and those continuing Level IV
  • INTERMEDIATE II – This class is for students continuing from Intermediate I.
  • INTERMEDIATE III – This class is for students continuing from Intermediate II
  • INTERMEDIATE IV – This is the continuation of Intermediate III
  • ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP EXAM – For those interested in the Italian citizenship exam, we offer preparation support. Please note that previous knowledge of intermediate-level Italian is recommended. For inquiry, email info@Italiassociation.org

Tuition for the 10-week program is $325.00 for non members and $290.00 for members of the Italian Association
Tuition does not include the cost of books or other class related materials.
Refund Policy
Our refund policy is consistent with most other live, online language classes.
Cancellations during the first week of class is refunded 60% or the full amount is credited toward a future class.
No refunds issued after the first week.

Email us for information on any of these classes: info@italianassociation.org

Our Instructors

Gina Pietrantoni

I was born and grew up in the beautiful region of Abruzzo in central Italy, surrounded by the Apennine mountains and dreaming of the world.

I hold an M.A. in Foreign Language Pedagogy from the University of Venice and an M.A.  in Foreign Languages and Cultures from the University of L’Aquila.

I have taught Italian in higher education since 2001. I am a contributing author of first and second-year Italian textbooks and have led study abroad programs in Italy. In collaboration with the Italian Association of Arizona, in the summer of 2020, we started the Italian classes live, via Zoom, with the intent to offer an outlet for the mind and the soul. Our classes have grown, and we are thrilled!

I am excited to work with you and guide you on the fantastic journey of learning Italian!

Sandra Palaich

I grew up in Croatia where I fell in love with Italian at an early age.  I hold BAs in English and Italian languages and literatures and an MA in Italian literature.

Before I came to the US, I was a translator and interpreter, performing simultaneous and consecutive translations at conferences and meetings, as well as written translations of a variety of texts and books.

I retired in 2022 after teaching Italian at a university level for 25 years. I taught a variety of language, culture, business and film courses, directed study abroad programs and co-authored a textbook for third-year Italian courses. Now I split my time between sunny Scottsdale and breezy Adriatic Sea.

I am excited to join the Italian Association  team and I look forward to meeting you and sharing our Italian experiences.

 

Antonella Morgillo
A native of the enchanting coastal region of Naples, Italy, my enduring love of travel has been a constant in my life.  I earned my B.A. and M.A. in Comparative Languages and Cultures from the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, before obtaining a Certificate in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language from the same institution.

After completing my academic journey, I moved to Tokyo, Japan, where I immersed myself in the study of Japanese language and culture, for which I have a deep interest and passion, and where I continued to teach my own culture and language with great enthusiasm.
Finally, I moved to the enchanting state of Arizona where I am currently completing my academic journey and continuing my teaching career.  I am delighted to be a teaching member of the Italian Association of Arizona and to have the opportunity to share my deep love for Italy with all my students.

Education

M.A. Japanese Studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

M.A. Comparative Literature and Culture, University of Naples “L’Orientale”

B.A. Comparative Language and Culture, Unversity of Naples “L’Orientale”

Arben Verushi

I grew up bilingual in Tirana, the capital of Albania. My family spoke an ancient Italian dialect, close to vulgar Latin. I started learning modern Italian in early childhood and later moved to Italy, where I lived and worked for ten years. During this time, I enjoyed the beauty of Italy, its remarkable history, culture, and philosophy of life. I maintain frequent contact with friends and family in Italy and follow up on current events.

I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Technology from Ira Fulton School of Engineering – Arizona State University. I have taught Italian in higher education for more than ten years, in-person and online.

I have collaborated with the Italian association since Spring 2021 and am excited to work with you on this cultural endeavor!

 

Zoom Netiquette
Even though we are in our private space at home, please remember that our class in Zoom is a learning environment that must be conducive to learning and free from noise and other distractions.

Below are simple, practical suggestions, but often a reminder is helpful.

  • Your attire must be appropriate
  • Your cell phone silenced
  • You must behave as if you were in a classroom
  • Drinking water is permissible; eating is not (preferable no alcohol consumption during classes)
  • We may record the conversations for purposes of course improvement

Technology
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have reliable technology

  • Your internet connection must be reliable. Here are some hints to improve your internet speed.
  • Your webcam and microphone must be in good working order so that your audio and video can come through clearly for your classmates and the instructor.
  • During a class meeting, the instructor shares material on the screen. We recommend using a big screen and a headset and avoiding using smartphones.
  • For more specific details on System requirements for Windows, macOS, and Linux, use this link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux#bandwidth

Communication
All communication from and to the instructor is via email, provided at the enrollment time. Please, put in the subject line your course level.

Missing Class Support
Consistent attendance and participation are essential to progress in your journey to learning Italian. If you missed or planned to miss a class, contact your instructor ASAP and ask for a summary of what happened during the missed session. Upon request, the instructor provides summary video/audio/pdf materials, as applicable. Your instructor might be available for a brief one-on-one session if necessary and requested

To improve your communicative skills, we recommend getting in touch with your classmates to practice speaking.

Disclaimer
The content shared by the instructor is for the benefit of the registered students only and not to be shared outside of the class. The instructor reserves the right to change the course program as deemed necessary. The instructor notifies you promptly of any changes via email.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Completing our courses allows students to develop communicative skills to reach the following levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Global-scale:

For more information about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Global-scale email info@Italiassociation.org