Registration Now Open for Spring Semester of Italian Language Classes at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

Registration is now open for Italian language classes at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. The spring semester features our popular new Introduction to Italian Language, History & Culture, parts I & II. Classes begin the week of February 22 and run for 15 weeks. Tuition is $135 for museum members, $150 for non-members, or only $10 a class. Materials needed and vacation schedules for each class will be discussed during the first session.

Taught by Professor Louis Leonini, Introduction to Italian Language, History & Culture 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 historical cultural highlights. Students should be willing to do a half-hour of homework per week. Both classes will meet on Saturdays, Part I class from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Part II from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Classes begin on Saturday, February 27, 2010.

Other classes offered are:
Accelerated Italian I, Part II Monday Evenings, 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 be able to 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. PREREQUISITE IS ACCELERATED ITALIAN PART I. Class begins on Monday, February 22, 2010.

Italian II Thursday Evenings: 5 - 6:30 pm Instructor: Marinetta Paone
This course is designed as a natural follow-up to Italian I or for intermediate students who understand and can communicate using the present tense. Activities include listening comprehension, speaking exercises and guided writing exercises such as composing letters to family and friends. Class begins on Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Italian III Thursday Evenings: 7 - 8:30 pm 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. Class begins on Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Conversation/Writing through Film Wednesday Evenings: 5 - 6:30 pm 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 reading passages, and using language tapes to facilitate practice in pronunciation and review of grammar for correct usage in spoken Italian. Class begins on Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

Advanced Communication Monday Evenings: 5:30 - 7 pm 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 magazines, newspapers and contemporary literature and engaging in stimulating discussions in the language. Class begins on Monday, February 22, 2010.

For more information or to register, call (718) 442-1608 or e-mail info@garibaldimeuccimuseum.org.

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. 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. The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and operated by the Order Sons of Italy in America.