Registration for Italian Classes Open at Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

Registration for the fall semester of Italian language classes offered at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum will open on Monday, August 8, and classes begin the week of September 26. Tuition for the 15-week semester is $135 for museum members, $150 for non-members-only $9 per session for members or $10 for non-members. This semester's offerings include two new classes.

"Italian for Beginners" will be taught by Rose Frisari on Tuesdays from 2:30-4 p.m. Born in Sicily, Frisari came to this country in 1956. She majored in Romance Languages at Hunter College, and in 1985 began teaching Italian at Monsignor Farrell High School on Staten Island. She has been an active member of ALTSI (Association of Language Teachers of Staten Island). Her "Italian for Beginners" class will provide students with the tools necessary to communicate in Italian at a basic level and to acquire a knowledge and appreciation of Italian culture in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Professor Louis Leonini will be teaching "Advanced Italian Language, History, and Culture," on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. Specifically designed for those who have completed Part I-III, this course will emphasize everyday conversational Italian, and put into practice grammatical structures and vocabulary learned in previous classes. Students will need to do weekly assignments and set aside time during the week to study for their efforts to "speak well" to be successful.

Other classes offered this semester are:

"Introduction to Italian Language, History &?Culture, Part II" Sundays, 10-11:30 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.

"Journey Through Italian Language, History &?Culture" Saturdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Instructor: Louis Leonini
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.

"Accelerated Italian I" Mondays, 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" Thursdays, 7-8:30 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. NOTE?NEW?CLASS?TIME

"Italian III" Thursdays, 5-6:30 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. NOTE?NEW?CLASS?TIME

"Intermediate Conversation Through Literature" Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Instructor: Marinetta Paone
This course is for those who have completed levels I, II &?III and would like to improve conversational skills by reading and discussing Italian short stories and excerpts from contemporary and classical Italian literature.

"Advanced Communication" Mondays, 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 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., Wednesday through Saturday. 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.