This course is aimed at students who already have a good level of competence in Italian, i.e. students who have completed the LfA Italian Lower Intermediate / 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
LfA Italian Lower Intermediate / Italian Language and Cultures: Lower Intermediate or equivalent; AS level in Italian.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 1 2023-24 to 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 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:
reception activities (oral, audio-video, and reading comprehension);
production activities (oral and written production);
interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are 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 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
Ability to give a lengthy presentation and to manage more complex exchanges of ideas and information on familiar and more specific topics.
Ability to recognise complex cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and to apply them appropriately.
Module content
Topics may include:
Talking about plans, future ideas, and wishes.
Expressing preferences. Giving orders and advice.
Talking about complex topics about Italian culture, such as immigration, environment, literature, sport.
Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.
Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.
The course is non-assessed but students will receive an LfA Certificate of Completion if they participate in at least 13 sessions out of 18.
Reassessment
None
Module feedback
Regular homework tasks will provide opportunities for ongoing feedback on progress.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete coursework. Its purpose is not to provide a summative assessment of students’ performance but to provide the basis for relevant tutor’s feedback and feedforward.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the year.