This course is aimed at students who already have a good basic level of competence in Italian, i.e. students who have completed the LfA Italian Elementary / 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
LfA Italian Elementary / Italian Language and Cultures: Elementary or equivalent; higher GCSE 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 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:
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 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 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.
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.