Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module ITAL1102: Italian Language 1B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Italian)

ITAL1102: Italian Language 1B

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade A or above at A Level in a modern foreign language, or equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Italian Language 1A (ITAL1071).

Aims

  • A fast-paced module for proven linguists, aiming to bring beginners up to A level competence by the end of the year.

Content

  • The module is taught by means of five hours a week divided as follows: one hour of grammar theory, one hour of grammar practice, one hour of oral work, one hour of reading comprehension and one hour of listening comprehension.
  • The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students should have a good grasp of Italian grammar. They will also have developed a high level of understanding in both the spoken and the written language as well as an awareness and appreciation of Italian culture.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students will have a high level of comprehension both in the spoken and written language and have the confidence to conduct simple conversations with native speakers and to write short texts in Italian.
Key Skills:
  • General communication skills in the language will have developed, as well as the ability to understand relevant pieces of information from written and oral sources. A cultural awareness of Italy will have also been acquired.

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

  • A communicative approach is favoured/ and students are encouraged to use the target language right from the start.
  • Summative assessment of reading/writing and aural comprehension skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of end-of-year examinations.
  • Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work.
  • Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Grammar Lecture 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Grammar Practice Class 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Oral Class 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Reading Comprehension 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Listening Comprehension 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Student preparation and reading time 295
Total SLAT hours 400

Summative Assessment

Component: In-class written assessment Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills tests 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: In-class oral and listening comprehension assessment Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of oral and listening comprehension skills 100% Yes - 10-minute oral examination
Component: In-class participation Component Weighting: 5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class participation 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Regular exercises and tests to be done during the year. Mini presentations to be done in the oral classes.

■ 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