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Italian Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate - LAN00082I

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • 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 basic level of competence in Italian, i.e. students who have completed the Italian Language and Cultures Elementary course or their higher GCSE in Italian (or equivalent). The module will take students to level A2+ 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: Elementary or equivalent; higher GCSE 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 lower intermediate level, to about A2+ 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:

  1. reception activities (oral, audio-video, and reading comprehension);

  2. production activities (oral and written production);

  3. 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:

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Give a short presentation and manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.

  • Recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and apply them appropriately.

  • Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices.

  • Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.

Module content

The course will include topics such as:

  • Talking about plans, future ideas, and wishes.

  • Expressing preferences. Giving orders and advice.

  • Talking about your health and going to the doctor.

  • Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.

  • Writing a formal letter, a CV, talking about jobs, replying to a job offer

  • Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.

  • Comparing objects and ideas.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.

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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.