Studying at York
Italian Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate - LFA00242L
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: F
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
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 2023-24 |
| B | Semester 2 2023-24 |
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:
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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
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Ability to understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g. lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and to read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.
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Ability to 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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Ability to give a short presentation and to manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.
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Ability to recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and to apply them appropriately.
Module content
The course will include topics such as:
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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 your health and going to the doctor.
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Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.
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Writing a formal letter, a CV, talking about jobs, replying to a job offer
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Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.
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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
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.