Facoltà di Economia

Hello, GG1s.

I write to introduce myself and to tell you a little bit about our Applied English classes for next week in Ariccia and then back on campus.  This is because, for me, you will need to do a little bit of preparation for (almost) each class.  (No reading, no over-thinking, but just a little bit of thought and preparation.) This 'mini-prep' you should do for most of our classes, and I will explain more when I see you, as we go along.

But, first of all, I hope that you have all done well on your midterm exams and I look forward to meeting you next week - refreshed, relaxed and ready for some new challenges.  Please keep in mind that my classes are highly interactive and active participation is essential.  And, hopefully, they are highly enjoyable, too.  With me, you will NOT be standing up in from of the whole class and giving presentations, unless you want to take over from me!, so please do not worry about that for my classes. But we will be sharing a lot in small groups.

In our first class, in the morning of Tuesday the 3rd November, you will meet both Prof. Ibrahim and me, and together we will explain the aims of the two separate modules that make up the 'Applied English' course.  We will explain the expectations and approaches to enable you to not only to be successful in the course, but also to enjoy it and make the best of it.  It is an intensive two weeks!

For our second class, with me, in the afternoon of Tuesday the 3rd, please think of three ’fun facts‘ about yourself or your family - that no one else in the class knows.  These three points should be about you, or someone in your family, and that are surprising, interesting - and true! Please keep your ideas, and these points, a secret from the others in your Group. And please make them ‘fun facts’ that you do not mind sharing with me and with the class.  So, think about the options of what you could share in advance - and this is your first preparation.

For our third class together, on Wednesday morning, please think of some interesting words, phrases, or sayings - in your native language (or second language, or a dialect) that you can introduce to a small group.  You can even teach us how to count, or teach us 'tongue twisters'.  And, for you Italians, yes, you can show... gestures!

For our fourth class together, which is on Wednesday afternoon, please wear something that prompts you to do a short presentation or to tell a true story about it.  In other words, wear something to talk about.  (For the preparation, just write down a few notes about what you have chosen to show and how you want to talk about it - there are many ways.)  Please aim to talk for about three minutes.  So, it could be a favourite piece of clothing or jewellery or a tattoo or a ‘lucky charm’, and please remember to pack it and take it to Ariccia - unless you wear it all the time.

That will get us started.

Also, you will want to think about some personal stories that you can tell, so that we get to know you better, as we will use these in both of the weeks that we are together. AND... thinking ahead... as I am hoping to use this idea on Wednesday the 11th, in the middle of our second week, please find, prepare and begin to practice a 'really cool' magic trick. One that will astound and amaze us - or at least make us laugh.

Meanwhile, I see that the weather forecast for next week is good, but it does get a bit chilly through the night.  Do note that the Palazzo Chigi can be a bit cold, especially if it is breezy, so do also pack some warm layers, as the wind can whistle up into the Main Hall from the Courtyard.  Hopefully not, but do plan ahead just in case.

Do also note that, regarding food, Ariccia and the area around is known for its Porchetta (roasted pork), which is at the top of most menus.  So, if you follow a particular diet, or do not want to eat pork at every meal, you just to look a bit further down the menu and then you will find something suitable.  You can find good places to eat and good choices on the menus, or just ask.  There is no need to go hungry!

So, have a good weekend and I look forward to meeting you in class next Tuesday morning.

Best regards,  Douglas Brown