Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Anne Fleischmann
- Associate Deans
- Patrick Marasso, Lynn Medeiros
- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The United States is taking an active role in world affairs, and it is desirable for Americans to have knowledge of foreign languages and cultures. Learning a foreign language will benefit students and prepare them for any career. The acquisition of desired practical communication skills is the primary objective of the World Languages Department at Sierra College. Courses are organized around grammatical themes imbedded in cultural topics, requiring critical thinking, analysis and practical implication. Instruction on the Communicative Method integrates the five key learning objectives of Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Cultural Competence.
TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Foreign Language are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Foreign Languages are qualified for positions in teaching, business, foreign services, law enforcement, nursing, secretarial and diplomatic services.
Career Opportunities in Italian
Bilingual: teacher, professor, transcriber, sales representative, customer service representative, web publisher, medical/health worker, realtor, IRS/franchise tax board worker, social services case worker, community outreach specialist, human resources specialist;
Business: international relations consultant, international business personnel, foreign exchange trader, publishing specialist, foreign correspondent, foreign publications/textbook editor, research assistant, importer/exporter, translator/interpreter, international account manager, international banking officer, airline personnel, public relations officer;
Culture/Tourism: cultural events coordinator, travel agent, translator/interpreter, guide;
Government: national security agent, immigration officer, court interpreter, UNESCO official, Peace Corps employee, translator/interpreter, FBI agent, foreign diplomat missionary, foreign service officer.
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
ITAL 0001. Elementary Italian - Level I
Units: 4
Hours: 72 lecture
Intensive instruction in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing elementary Italian. Basic grammar, regular and some irregular verbs in the present tense of the indicative mood. Daily practice in speaking and writing. Corresponds to two years of high school study. (CSU, UC)
ITAL 0002. Elementary Italian - Level II
Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of ITAL 1 or two years of high school Italian with grade(s) of "C" or better
Hours: 72 lecture
Intensive basic grammar, greater emphasis on speaking and writing. Emphasis on culture and events of the areas where Italian is spoken. (CSU, UC)
ITAL 0003. Intermediate Italian - Level I
Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of ITAL 2 or three years of high school Italian with grade(s) of "C" or better
Hours: 72 lecture
Designed for those with previous training in the Italian language. Continues to teach culture and facilitate language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis on speaking, using more complex linguistic structures of the language, and reading and writing. Authentic Italian texts and excerpts from works of Italian authors read and analyzed in the classroom. Continued development of the ability to analyze linguistic structures and reflect on and evaluate cross-cultural differences. (CSU, UC)
ITAL 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Improve listening skills in target language and draw reasonable conclusions from observations.
- Improve reading skills in target language while examining important contributions to literature in relevant cultures.
- Improve writing skills in target language while examining new ideas from the relevant cultures.
- Improve speaking skills in target language and develop problem-solving skills by working productively with others.
- Cultivate openness to new ideas and an informed appreciation of relevant cultures.
