Studying at York
Italian Language and Cultures: Intermediate - LAN00080C
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. This course is aimed at students who already have a good level of competence in Italian, i.e. students who have completed the Italian Language and Cultures Lower Intermediate course or their AS in Italian (or equivalent). The module will take students to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in the understanding and use of written and spoken Italian.
Related modules
Italian Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate or equivalent; AS level in Italian.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
| B | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in Italian over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at intermediate level, to about B1 level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:
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reception activities (oral, audio-video, and reading comprehension);
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production activities (oral and written production);
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interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and Italian.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
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Understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g. lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.
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Produce texts on familiar & specific topics (formal letters and emails) and give their impressions and opinions (e.g. lifestyles and culture, stories), using relevant everyday vocabulary, expression, and idiomatic use of the language
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Give a lengthy presentation and manage more complex exchanges of ideas and information on familiar and more specific topics.
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Recognise complex cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and apply them appropriately.
Module content
Topics may include:
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Talking about plans, future ideas, and wishes.
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Expressing preferences. Giving orders and advice.
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Talking about complex topics about Italian culture, such as immigration, environment, literature, sport.
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Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.
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Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.
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
Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work throughout the semester and assessed via end-of-semester exams. Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.