Studying at York
Italian Language & Cultures: Advanced - LAN00035I
Module summary
This module combines an in-depth study of Italian with analysis of cultural and social phenomena. Students will develop knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Italian at an advanced level through engagement with cultural, historical, and social aspects that have contributed to the construction of Italian national and transnational identities such as the transition to democracy, the economic miracle, and the civil rights movements.
Related modules
Pre-requisite: either Understanding Italian-speaking Cultures and Societies (ab initio) or Italian Language and Cultures: Upper intermediate.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module aims at building up knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Italian and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence at advanced level. Students will discuss, research and analyse more complex issues of contemporary societies and cultures related to Italian-speaking communities. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities emphasising three modes of communication: 1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension); 2) production activities (oral and written production); 3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction). The medium of instruction is Italian.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
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demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key facts relating to the Italian-speaking world;
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understand a wide variety of written, audiovisual and digital texts;
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give detailed descriptions and presentations on complex topics, developing particular points and produce well-structured expositions;
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express themselves effectively and achieve a good command of a broad lexical repertoire;
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explain the background to and interpret and discuss aspects of cultural values and practices drawing on intercultural encounters, reading, film, etc.
Module content
The module will focus on skills and strategies necessary to communicate effectively in Italian and on a variety of cultural, historical, and social aspects that have contributed to the construction of Italian national and transnational identities, such as:
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Italy between the two World Wars
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The birth of the first Republic
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The economic miracle
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The age of consumerism
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The movements for civil rights
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Italians of the new millennium
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Transnational Italy
Teaching will be delivered in seminar style. A detailed syllabus will be provided by the tutor at the beginning of the module.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Module feedback
Formative tasks done individually and/or in groups throughout the module. Students will be given written comments for written formative work and oral feedback during class discussions.
Feedback on summative assessment will be returned within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
A full reading list and course materials will be provided by the tutor.