Intermediate Italian I · Italian
light. bookwork for each class, several quizzes (where Failla helps you out), a few compositions (1-2pages), midterm, final
Hands down, Failla is the best. He is a very laid back guy who really cares about his students. He has an infinite patience with students who have limited language skills and keeps a good sense of humor. Sometimes class can be tedious since most of it in spent going over assignments. He also insists on going over basic things like the alphabet and numbers at the beginning of each class - which gets old after the first two weeks. However, he does spice things up by incorporating youtube in most classes. Take any class you can with Failla. You will find yourself looking forward to these refreshing and relaxing two hours during the school week.
standard departmental stuff, Failla is not strict about assignment deadlines though.
I love Failla! He is my favorite professor at Columbia! I am even taking his Elementary 2 conversation (it's below my level) because he is just that great of a professor. He is always in a good mood and knows everything about Italian language and culture. Class is always fun, but you learn a lot. Take any class you can with him, he's great!
Light. Textbook assignments are due for every class, and are provided via email by Failla. The workbook is not used at all, and we had very few compositions. Departmental quizzes (although not always weekly), short midterm and a final.
I loved this class! As a first year, first semester student, this class was a wonderful transition from high school to college. I came in planning on majoring in Italian, and the class just reinforced my love for the language even more. Failla is a great professor, always energetic, funny and engaging. Although the timeslot was awful, Failla's class was definately worth the sacrifice and I am taking his Intermediate 2 class this semester. This class was a relaxed, easy and fun way to improve upon my Italian skils and to learn a lot about Italian culture.
Failla basically dismisses the workbook,he assigns things from the books, gives a few departmental quizzes, some short writings, a midterm and a final. Not a bad workload at all.
Failla is a great professor. He really focuses on your ability to speak the language above and beyond the exercises in the books, teaching us colloquial sayings (and even a few useful swears). Above all this he really is a fun guy who made our gruesome time slot much more palatable. His energy keeps you engaged for the brutally long class.
Overall a really well informed great guy. He doesn't treat the class like a bunch of babies and expects you to do your work. He also has an adorable personality. A snazzy dresser too.