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Italian Language and Cultures: Elementary - LFA00246L

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  • 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

The key aim of the course is to enable students to develop their language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in the target language in everyday, predictable situations.

Students will then have the basis for continuing their studies at a higher level, should they choose to progress to the module Italian Language and cultures: Lower Intermediate.

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 elementary 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 is English and Italian.

Module learning outcomes

  • 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.

  • Ability to produce simple texts on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g. lifestyles and culture, stories), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.

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

  • 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:

  • Talking about plans, future ideas, and forecasts.

  • Expressing preferences.

  • Visiting a GP and talking about health issues.

  • Shopping, grocery shopping, and expressing quantities.

  • 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.

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.


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.