Italian Intermediate Accelerated for finalists (LL3B4)
Summary
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of Italian:
- 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
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.
Main Objectives
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 Italian culture and civilisation. Additionally, students will research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing their cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies. The module will offer a more advanced study of language structure and syntax, and will concentrate on using the Italian language for discussing and analysing aspects of Italian society.
Credits
This is a 30 CREDIT module.
Teaching
One weekly blended session for 21 weeks, consisting of:
- Two-hour face-to-face class on campus
- One synchronous hour class online via Microsoft Teams
- 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 2: Portfolio (15%)
Term 3: : one reading/writing test (30%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main tutor
Laura Mantovani
Course Texts (must be bought by students):
- Nuovo Espresso 3, book (+ audio online). Alma Edizioni. ISBN: 9788861823396. Students can get either the physical book, or the digital version.
- Nuovo Espresso 4, book (+ audio online). Alma Edizioni. ISBN: 9788861827165. 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
The emphasis of the module will be on improving the following skills:
- To understand ideas in complex texts, and produce texts on a wide range of topics.
- To develop a critical understanding of cultural contexts.
- To develop analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings.
- To develop autonomous learning and effective resource management.
- To work towards B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of reference).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will 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.
- 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.
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
Activities will be centred on literary/non-literary texts and audio-visual material focusing on the following themes: social relations, employment, food, consumer society, the Italian language, the media and the news, the environment, Italy and the Italians, travel, technology, etc.
Grammar
Items such as the past tenses (passato prossimo, imperfetto, trapassato prossimo, passato remoto), the future tense, the conditional mood, direct and indirect object pronouns, the subjunctive, if clauses, reported speech, combined pronouns, connective words, etc.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in Italian
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical Thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award
