ITAL100: Part I Italian Studies (Beginners to CEFR: A2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 10 US semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 4 US semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 20 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 8 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites: Evidence of language-learning ability; entry at A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference(CEFR).

Course Description

If you have never learnt Italian, this module is for you. It provides an intensive introduction to the language and will equip you grammatically and linguistically for further study. The module covers reading, writing, the foundations of grammar, plus speaking and listening skills for four hours per week. Assessment of language is by written and oral examination in the Summer term in conjunction with coursework and regular assessments in class.

Educational Aims

This intensive module is devised to enable you to:

• Speak, understand read and write the relevant language at a A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
• Develop your understanding of the principles of grammar (in both English and the relevant language)
• Develop techniques and strategies in learning a language
• Develop your confidence in using the language in various settings
• Acquire initial awareness of current affairs in the country where the language is spoken

Outline Syllabus

ITAL 100 is an intensive module of study which takes students from beginners' level to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) A2 level standard in 25 weeks of study. There are four language seminars per week including one class devoted entirely to the acquisition and development oral skills.

Tutorials are based on a textbook and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and an understanding and competence in the use of a range of Italian grammatical structures. Topics relating to Italian culture are integrated within the language seminars. One independent language hour is dedicated to computer-based exercises.

Assessment is divided between coursework and examination. Language coursework assessments during the year include a wide variety of speaking, listening and written exercises. Marks received for these are combined with the June examination marks in spoken and written language to produce the overall result. Students are encouraged to watch Italian films on DVD/television or at the cinema, to visit Italian-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of reading, listening to and speaking the language.

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

ITAL200i: Italian Language: Oral skills (post Beginners /CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 US semester credits.
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 US semester credits.
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits.
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits.
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with ITAL201i
  • Good French/German/Italian/Spanish language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the ITAL200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

ITAL200i and ITAL201i aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in Italian-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational and written work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Familiarise students with current topics
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in Italian-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The ITAL200i (Intensive) element comprises the oral and aural skills and is taken with the ITAL201i element; writing and reading skills. ITAL200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of ITAL200i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken.The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on speaking and listening (prepared and spontaneous) in a range of formal and semi-formal settings. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the ITAL200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

ITAL201i: Italian Language: Written skills (post Beginners /CEFR: B1)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS credits
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with ITAL200i
  • Good Italian language; entry is at high A2/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 200i (oral and aural skills) and 201i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot be taken independently. The general aim of the ITAL200i/201i module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

ITAL200i and ITAL201i aim to:

• Enhance students' comprehension of the spoken language, as it is used both in relatively formal speech, and in everyday "real-life" situations of the kind that one will encounter in Italian-speaking countries
• Develop both general and accurate listening comprehension skills, especially via exposure to radio or television programmes, to introduce computer-based aids and resources for language learning
• Develop good, accurate pronunciation and intonation as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar and vocabulary when speaking the language
• Encourage expression of views, articulate arguments and foster confident conversational and written work
• Equip students with vocabulary, phrases and appropriate structures
• Familiarise students with current topics
• Enhance students' ability to understand and translate texts accurately from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and to explore characteristic features of different styles and registers
• Increase awareness of the structure and variation of the language studied
• Develop sensitivity to a range of stylistic norms and varieties
• Help students read, comprehend and summarise the language accurately, in a variety of texts
• Improve the knowledge of grammar
• Produce written target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for this level
• Enhance students' understanding and awareness of some of the current issues in Italian-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

The ITAL201i element comprises of the writing and reading skills and is taken with the ITAL200i element; oral and aural skills. These units cannot be taken separately. ITAL200i/201i consists of 4 hours/week covering oral and listening skills as well as grammar, translation and writing skills.

The general aim of ITAL201i is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills acquired in the first year and to equip students with the level of competence and confidence they will require in order to familiarize themselves with the culture and the society of countries where their studied language is spoken. The module aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency; with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers. A systematic study of the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the language forms a specific component of the module. Contemporary written and audio-visual materials in the L2 language are used throughout the module.

The module also aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions and to prepare students for residence abroad.

It is expected that students studying on the ITAL200i/201i modules wishing to attain a good (2.i/first) level will have elements of B1 (Independent User/Threshold level) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

ITAL300i: Italian language: Oral and Aural skills (CEFR: B2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module- 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with ITAL301i
  • Extensive Italian language; entry is at B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 300i (oral and aural skills) and 301i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot normally be taken independently. This module consists of three hours tuition per week, taught in the target language, mostly by a native speaker. Both the oral and written components cover topics of cultural and contemporary interest, with a particular focus on translation from and into the target language. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

• Develop students' abilities to speak accurately in Italian at an advanced level, which includes conveying factual information, expressing ideas and opinions, describing and narrating events, and to develop a wider-ranging vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and different registers
• Develop students' abilities to listen to extracts of radio or television programmes, and to understand both their general gist and many specific details
• Develop students' abilities to speak Italian accurately and fluently, with good pronunciation, and be able to sustain oral presentations
• Enable and encourage students to learn about and appreciate the contemporary culture of Italy and to form (and express in Italian)their own views on certain topics and issues

Outline Syllabus

Normally, ITAL 300i and ITAL 301i cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (ITAL300i) and the written (ITAL301i) language modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of three hours tuition per week.

This module involves the study of current affairs, social and cultural issues through discussion, debate, role play, and drawing on written, visual and audio materials. Students are encouraged to draw on a range of reference sources, including dictionaries, online resources and grammar books to support their learning.

The precise syllabus is changed every year to reflect current affairs in Italy. Materials are taken from a range of sources such as newspapers, magazines and videos.By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the Italian speaking world, but they should also have acquired near native abilities both in written and spoken language (B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%

ITAL301i: Italian Language: Written and Reading Skills (CEFR: B2)

• Terms Taught:
  • Full Year module
  • Michaelmas Term only
  NOTE: If you are studying with us for a Full Academic Year and you select a module that has full year and part year variants, you will not be allowed to take only part of the module.
• US Credits:
  • Full Year module - 4 semester credits
  • Michaelmas Term only - 2 semester credits
• ECTS Credits:
  • Full Year module - 7.5 ECTS
  • Michaelmas Term only - 3.75 ECTS
• Pre-requisites:
  • This module must be taken in conjunction with ITAL300i
  • Extensive Italian language; entry is at B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Course Description

Modules 300i (oral and aural skills) and 301i (written and reading skills) are two integrated components of the module that cannot normally be taken independently. This module consists of three hours tuition per week, taught in the target language, mostly by a native speaker. Both the oral and written components cover topics of cultural and contemporary interest, with a particular focus on translation from and into the target language. Assessment is by coursework, regular assessments in class and an end of year written and oral examination.

Educational Aims

The module aims to:

Consolidate and develop language skills already acquired in year 2 (Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR B1), to consolidate level B1 (threshold) level and make inroads into B2 level.

Enable students to write accurately in Italian at an advanced level and to acquire advanced skills in reading comprehension.

• Reinforce and expand the knowledge of Italian grammar, and increase awareness of the way English works so that students can make comparisons.
• Enable and encourage students to learn about and appreciate contemporary Italian culture and to form (and express in Italian ) their own views on certain topics and issues.
• Improve their ability to learn a language, to absorb information systematically and to contribute to their personal, social and cognitive development.
• Read both news and feature articles taken from the press and extracts from novels and to understand the information or argument(s) presented.
• Understand contemporary literary prose and texts that consist mainly of topic-related language.
• Translate into English and into Italian with good accuracy.

Outline Syllabus

Normally, ITAL 300i and ITAL 301i cannot be taken independently. Both the oral (ITAL300i) and the written (ITAL301i) language modules focus on particular topics of cultural and contemporary interest. Together they consist of three hours tuition per week.

Students will develop their translation skills into and out of Italian, through a variety of activities, including comparison of their own translations with published ones, discussion of translation techniques, and self-correction. They will also work on improving their writing skills and undertake independent reading in order to support grammar revision and expansion. All parts of the module are based on a variety of authentic texts.By the end of the module, students should not only have developed an informed interest in the society and culture of the Italian speaking world, but they should also have acquired near native abilities both in written and spoken language (B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR).

Assessment Proportions

• Coursework: 60%
• Exam: 40%