Italian Beginners Accelerated for finalists (LL3B2)
Summary
Level
This module is offered to students with no prior knowledge of Italian. This module is the equivalent of Italian 1 + Italian 2 combined. Due to the 'accelerated' nature of the module, evidence of prior linguistic achievement (e.g. a high GCSE grade or A2 CEFR level in another European language) is essential.
Main Objectives
- To understand and communicate in familiar and routine situations, using frequently used expressions.
- To develop strategies for language learning.
- To research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- To achieve A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Credits
30 CREDITS
Teaching
One weekly blended session for 21 weeks, consisting of:
- a two-hour face-to-face session per week,
- a one-hour synchronous online class per week,
- four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2.
- Some independent study will also be set.
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 1: one interim Test (10%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (35%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main tutor
Laura Mantovani
Course Textbooks (must be bought by students)
-
New Italian Espresso - Textbook, Gruppo Italiaidea, Alma Edizioni, ISBN: 9788861827240. Students can get either the physical book, or the digital version.
-
New Italian Espresso - Workbook, Gruppo Italiaidea, Alma Edizioni, ISBN: 9788861827288. Students can get either the physical book, or the digital version.
-
Italian grammar in practice - Updated version - Book + interactive e-book, Susanna Nocchi, Alma Edizioni, ISBN: 9788861827530
Course Description
For students intending to travel to Italy, either for study or on work placements, this fast-paced module can promote confidence-building for communicating with native speakers abroad and helps you achieve a higher level of proficiency in one year instead than two in non-accelerated modules. This module will also help you develop a critical understanding of cultural contexts, analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings, autonomous learning and effective resource management.
Successful completion of Italian Beginners Accelerated qualifies students to progress to Italian Intermediate Accelerated.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Apply a basic knowledge of grammar.
- Gain insight into everyday life in the relevant countries.
- Apply strategies for understanding gist and short descriptions.
- Interact about familiar topics and activities.
- Write simple texts giving background information and relating to areas of immediate need.
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- Conduct and present independent research into Italian culture and society.
- Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 Basic user (waystage) of the Common European Framework.
Syllabus
This module will allow students to develop strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to engage with and communicate on them thoughtfully and respectfully.
The syllabus will include the following:
Topics
Items such as: greetings, introductions, asking for and giving personal information, describing people and places, daily routine, likes and dislikes, making plans and talking about past events.
Grammar
Structures such as gender/plurals of nouns; definite and indefinite articles; adjectives; possessives; adverbs; pronouns (personal, direct and indirect); comparatives; verbs in the present, perfect, imperfect, future, conditional, etc.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Can count towards the Warwick Award
