Italian Intermediate Accelerated (LL2B4)
Summary
Level:
The module is designed to enable students who have demonstrated higher linguistic skills to fast-track two levels,
(levels 3 and 4), in one year instead of two.
The module will strengthen reading and writing skills and will also reinforce the communicative skills acquired during previous study of the Italian language. Students will gain further insights into the culture and civilisation of Italian-speaking countries. The module will offer a more advanced study of language structure and syntax, and will concentrate on using the target language for discussing and analysing aspects of Italian and society.
Prior knowledge of Italian required:
• A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
• or a high grade in GCSE or equivalent
• or equivalent in International Baccalaureate
• or Language Centre Italian beginners accelerated
• or equivalent
Successful completion of Italian Intermediate Accelerated qualifies students to progress to Italian Advanced.
Main Objectives:
Credits:
This is a 24 or 30 CREDIT module.
Teaching:
Our aim, Covid-19 arrangements permitting, is one weekly blended session for 21 weeks, organised as:
one and a half-hour online synchronous seminar (small group)
+ one and a half-hour asynchronous tutor-guided study
Some independent study will also be set.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore the minimum expected amount of study is 240 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Languages@Warwick (our virtual learning environment) to facilitate this.
Assessment:
Term 1 - one interim test
Term 3 - one reading/writing test + one speaking test
Tutor:
Laura Mantovani
Course Texts (must be bought by student):
- Nuovo Espresso 3, book + DVD ROM . Alma Edizioni. ISBN: 9788861823389, RRP: £37.50
- Nuovo Espresso 4, book + CD audio. Alma Edizioni. ISBN: 9788861825055, RRP: £30.75
- New Italian Grammar in practice - Alma Edizioni, ISBN: 9788861824287, RRP: £21.95
Course Description
Teaching will be primarily in the target language. Writing and speaking activities will be supported by authentic written and spoken materials focusing on aspects of Italian life and culture. Students will also be encouraged to read articles in Italian regularly to keep up to date with events in the Italian-speaking world.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Apply knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level.
• Understand the main ideas and some detail of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics.
• Interact with fluency and spontaneity, and account for and sustain viewpoints.
• Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects; explain viewpoints on topical issues.
Syllabus
The syllabus will include the following:
Communicative skills
This module will cover items such as: giving advice; describing anecdotes in the past; expressing commands; making promises; expressing wishes; talking about hypothesis; making predictions; giving opinions; justifying actions; expressing agreement and disagreement.
Grammar
This module will cover items such as: the past tenses (passato prossimo, imperfetto, trapassato prossimo, passato remoto), the future tense, the conditional, direct and indirect object pronouns, the subjunctive.
Topics
Some of the topics to be discussed in this module include: travelling, leisure activities, job market, food, design, the environment, health, sports, social media, education.