This course is designed for students with no previous study of Italian language. In this course, students build a foundation in Italian grammar and pronunciation rules and learn to communicate about basic, everyday topics. This is an integrated course- students improve proficiency in all four areas of communication (reading, writing, listening and speaking)-. Grammar structures and vocabulary are learned not as an end in and of themselves, but as a means to acquiring ability in these areas. By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Understand and accurately use language relating to areas of most immediate relevance--basic personal and family information, shopping, employment, etc.

· Communicate effectively in order to accomplish routine tasks

· Participate in a simple conversation about everyday topics

· Describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need

• Read and pick out important information from authentic texts (e.g. menus, signs, schedules, etc.)