Module ITAL1071: ITALIAN LANGUAGE 1A

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Italian)

ITAL1071: ITALIAN LANGUAGE 1A

Prerequisites

• Grade B or above in Italian at A level (or equivalent).

Corequisites

• BA Modern Language and Combined Arts students must take at least one further Level 1 cultural module in Italian.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Italian Language 1B (ITAL1021) AND Italian Listening & Reading Comprehension (ITAL1051).

Aims

• to consolidate and develop language skills acquired during A-Level
• to enhance communication skills in written and oral Italian
• to encourage independent learning and reading of Italian texts of various kinds

Content

• Reinforcement of grammar knowledge developed for A level
• Speaking and listening practice in small groups
• Listening and comprehension exercises with recorded material
• Reading of excerpts from various media (newspapers, magazines and contemporary novels)
• Analysis and discussion of the language of texts studied
• Discussion and development of ideas introduced via texts studied

Learning Outcomes

• To consolidate their knowledge of key grammatical points
• To deepen their appreciation of how Italian is used differently in different contexts (both oral and written)
• To become more familiar with the main Italian newspapers, cultural magazines and some contemporary literature

• To speak and write with a high level of grammatical accuracy and idiomatic command
• To read Italian of various registers in a wide range of media
• To understand and respond to Italian spoken in a variety of (real and recorded) contexts
• To communicate orally and in writing with confidence
• To develop their language skills independently

• Presentation skills (students will be required to present their work to their teacher and fellow class-mates)
• Communication skills (all classroom activities and coursework contain aspects of communication)
• Critical skills (being able to read critically and discuss what has been read)
• IT skills (all coursework is to be word-processed)

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Classes will contain grammar, reading, writing, oral and aural components. This joined-up teaching encourages students to apply their learning across subject skills
• Classes will be conducted in Italian to enhance the development of oral and aural skills
• Grammar will be taught by studying language in use in the first instance and reinforced through explanation (where necessary) and active use of new structures in the second. This is designed to simulate real-life contexts and to foster independence in language learning
• Students are required to attend all classes
• Students will be required to read before class and to prepare specific topics for discussion and presentation. They are also required to participate actively in class. These aspects of the course aim to encourage active language-learning while improving subject skills and key transferable skills
• Students will be assessed via an oral exam and a Summer exam which are designed to provide structure and focus to the academic year and to add extrinsic motivation to the intrinsic motivation nurtured in class.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Reading, written assignments, oral presentations

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University