Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module CFLS1I21: Italian Stage 2

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1I21: Italian Stage 2

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of Italian Stage 1 or Grade B or above in GCSE Italian or an equivalent, subject to decision by the Italian language coordinator. No higher Italian language entry qualification permitted

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Any Core Language Modules offered by the School of Modern Languages & Cultures.

Aims

  • To consolidate and revise prior knowledge.
  • To develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in Italian.
  • To enable students to function effectively in a general social context.
  • To extend lexis and knowledge of grammar.
  • To develop basic essay writing skills.
  • To promote intercultural understanding .

Content

  • The first part of this module aims to consolidate and revise prior knowledge, which will involve a comprehensive review of basic language structures followed by the further study of key aspects of grammar.
  • Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book.
  • Class materials will be supplemented by handouts and digital resources.
  • Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of the main Italian linguistic principles, structures and registers;
  • demonstrate knowledge of some aspects of Italian social, economic and political structures;
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some features of Italian culture and society gained through the study of cultural topics.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On successful completion of the module learners will be able to:
  • write short essays in the target language related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views;
  • relate a series of events and take part in semi-structured discussion on Italian current affairs, customs and social issues;
  • apply a range of grammatical principles;
  • make effective use of reference material such as grammars and dictionaries;
  • use a range of language learning techniques and skills by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.
Key Skills:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • give a short class presentation in Italian;
  • narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or a film;
  • write a short essay demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose;
  • communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
  • gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
  • use IT both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
  • deal effectively with a variety of situations whilst abroad.

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

  • This module is delivered through three 1-hour seminars each week.
  • Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
  • In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
  • The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
  • In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process, the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal written examination. Summative assessments will also fulfil a formative function since feedback will be made available to students.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 60 three times per week 1 hour 60
Preparation and Reading 140
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Components 1 and 2 each comprise two separate tasks, the marks of which are combined to generate the Component mark.
Component: Language Tasks Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project assignments (Term 1) 100% Yes
Component: Reading and Writing Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project assignments (Term 2) 100% Yes
Component: Speaking and Listening Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Group oral assessment with pre-prepared listening tasks (Weeks 21-22) 20 minutes 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.


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