Italian Language Classes Begin at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 9/1

Registration for the fall semester of Italian language classes offered at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is now open. In order to avoid conflict with the Christmas/New Year holidays, the 15-week semester will begin September 1, 2010. Tuition is $135 for museum members, $150 for non-members-only $9 per session for members or $10 for non-members.

This semester will feature a new class, "Journey Through Italian Language, History &?Culture." Taught by Louis Leonini on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. this course will be conducted primarily in Italian, putting into use all the grammatical structures learned in our popular "Introduction to Italian Language, History & Culture," parts I and II. The focus will be on conversational Italian for everyday use, based on topics a traveler or tourist would need to be able to freely engage Italians in their own language. The culture part of this course will explore the roots of the Italian language, Italian history, and modern day Italian issues. Italian cinema, and its impact on worldwide cinematic history, will also be explored.

Other classes offered are:
"Introduction to Italian Language, History &?Culture, Part I" Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m. Instructor: Louis Leonini
This is an alternative course designed specifically for beginners. Vocabulary, conversational dialogues, everyday phrases and basic grammar will assist the beginner in feeling confident speaking one of the world's most beautiful languages. This course includes Italian historic cultural highlights. Students should be willing to do a half-hour of homework per week.

"Introduction to Italian Language, History &?Culture, Part II" Saturday, 9-10:30 a.m. Instructor: Louis Leonini
This is the second semester of the Intro course and continues its alternative approach designed for beginners. Building on basic grammar, vocabulary, theme-related dialogues, everyday phrases and cooperative strategies learned in the first semester, students will engage in meaningful conversation, view language DVDs and perform oral recitation. Immersion in Italian language and culture will include an appreciation of Italian music.

"Accelerated Italian I" Monday, 7-8:30 p.m. Instructor: Maria Bonavita
This course is designed for beginners committed to gaining proficiency in Italian language and culture. Students will learn essential grammatical structures needed for effective communication in speaking and writing. Through the Communicative Approach, students will use the language as a creative tool in preparing dialogues, skits, and role-playing. The pace of the class is determined by the commitment of the majority of the students. Students should be willing to practice 15-30 minutes daily.

"Italian II" Thursday, 5-6:30 p.m. Instructor: Marinetta Paone
This course is designed as a natural follow-up to "Italian I" or for intermediate students who understand and can communicate in the present tense, and includes listening comprehension, speaking exercises and guided writing exercises.

"Italian III" Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. Instructor: Marinetta Paone
This course is for intermediate students who are competent in the past tense of Italian. Students will explore more complex structures of the Italian language. Guided activities are similar to "Italian II," with the addition of formal correspondence.

"Conversation/Writing through Film" Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m. Instructor: Marinetta Paone
This course is for those who have completed levels I, II & III and would like to improve conversational and written skills through viewing and post-viewing activities using contemporary Italian films, reading and discussing short written passages, and using language tapes to facilitate practice in pronunciation and review of grammar for correct usage in spoken Italian.

"Advanced Communication" Monday, 5:30-7 p.m. Instructor: Maria Bonavita
This course is designed for those who have studied Italian in the past and can communicate in the language. It is also ideal for native speakers who wish to refresh and build their language skills and grammatical knowledge. Students will be able to refine their communicative skills by reading and engaging in stimulating discussions in the language.

For more information or to register, call 718-442-1608 or e-mail info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and operated by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation, and by grants allocated by New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.