Elisabetta Nelsen

Very friendly teacher, but expect to do a lot of work. She is willing to help you with anything possible, but expects you to study a lot. Don't take this class unless you really want to learn the language.

Nelsen is best suited toward teaching grammar and that's what she does in ITAL-101. She lacks the easygoingness and sincere joy in learning of a true immersion teacher, and would never abandon books in favor of videos and tapes. At SFSU you may not have any option for 100% immersion anyway, but it's important to understand grammarians. I've taken other language courses and must say it often seems that grammarians as a group are tense and controlling, and it's unusual when they bring humor to the classroom. Nelsen tries to bring in some humor, so she's better than most. Her classes can often be fun. If you work at it and pay attention, you will get an A.

Two concerns that I had about her:

1. She did claim at one point that Benito Mussolini was a genius. I found that to be a very troubling comment, since the guy killed many Jews and Gypsies. It's like saying Pat Buchanan should be president. Today in Italy there is much pro-fascist sentiment and I think it's sad to think she has been pulled into it or that she might have hatred in her heart.

2. The TA was for this semester was clearly very pregnant yet Nelsen seemed to be making her do a lot of work. Again, the sternness.

Overall, a B.

Elisabetta is a wonderful teacher. I took Italian in high school and at a JC many years ago. I spoke with Elisabetta about which class to take and she recommended 102 since I had some experience with the language. The first week of school, I felt that I was in over my head and that I needed to drop 102 and take 101 because I hadn't reviewed the present material in HS or at the JC. She encouraged me to continue with the class and give it a couple of weeks, and if I still didn't feel right then she would gladly take me in 101. With her positivity and encouragement, I stayed in 102 and I am so thankful that I didn't drop it. It is wonderful to have a teacher like Elisabetta who supports and encourages her students. She is very knowledgeable about Italian culture, history, etc. I not only learned the language but also the history and culture. There is never a dull day with her; her humor and laughter make learning fun. She is extremely fair with her homework and tests. She is willing to help whenever you need it. I intend to major in Italian, and I know I will do well with Elisabetta's help. Segua italiano con Elisabetta!!

hang on just a sec there ms F! Elisebetta Nelsen is absolutely the BEST thing that could happen to SFSU! They should consider themselves lucky to have her in their faculty as I'm sure she could have chosen any other school to teach at! I just finished the Italian program and I've had Prof Nelsen for almost every class-- let me tell you, I have the utmost of respect for her. She is INCREDIBLY knowledgable about Italian history, art, literature, the list is endless and she's fun to be around! She made my experience of learning Italian incredibly enjoyable. As far as her tests being difficult, evidently you have a big problem because her tests are straight from the books and from lectures. If you pay attention, you can easily realize what she's gonna ask! In my eyes, no one ever will live up to Professor Nelsen's standards!

Elisabetta is the most charming teacher I have had at SFSU thus far. She is extremely talkative- which is great when learning italian. She uses repetition, class participation, volunteer education and translation to help the young mind understand a fairly difficult language.Her tests were after every chapter..all 15! The homework is daily, as is the class- but if you are commited to learning and can bring yourself to clas M-F, it will be a breeze. She is a sweet and understanding woman- and loud and jolly! I enjoy this class very much.