ITAL0001: Beginning Italian 1 (CEFR A1)

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: None

Course Description

This is a first term module which takes students from beginners to A1 level on the CEFR scale. ITAL0001 provides students with the opportunity to develop their communicative skills, equips them with intercultural awareness whilst also enabling them to become independent learners.

ITAL0001 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option UG programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

1. Speak, understand, read and write at A1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This includes being able to read short basic texts, for example taken from the press, and understand, with the help of a dictionary, the information and arguments presented; produce written and spoken language about everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in basic terms; and understand and use vocabulary, phrases and structures for a range of practical everyday interactions, and therefore understand simple dialogues accurately.
2. Draw on basic techniques and strategies for learning languages.
3. Use basic language confidently in numerous contexts.
4. Understand and discuss basic dimensions of target language culture, history and society.
5. Start to develop an awareness of the global issues in the relevant-speaking countries.

Outline Syllabus

This is a first term module which takes students from beginners to A1 level on the CEFR scale. This means that by the end of the semester students will be able to engage with basic everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in simple terms. ?

This module is seminar-led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts, thus contributing to the decolonizing agenda. The study of the cultural, social and historical context is embedded in the language learning, under the following umbrella theme: Discovering Languages and Cultures, focusing in particular on linguistic discovery, invention and growth. Topics may include (but not limited to) the origin of the Italian language and the birth of the Italian nation. Students will be exposed to a range of cultural artefacts appropriate to their level.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, ITAL0001 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and awareness of the role and value of languages in today’s world.

Assessment Proportions

The module is taught through a series of interactive seminars (5 hours per week) to provide students with ample opportunities to practice their language skills as they learn week by week.

Assessment:

• Oral (50%) - The oral/aural task takes place towards the end of the module, where students will listen to one or two short extracts (for a total of 2 minutes) and will answer questions in the target language.
• Exam (50%) - The written exam consists of a short, written comprehension in the target language (50%) and a section on culture in English (50%).

If students' first language is not English, they are allowed to use a non-annotated dictionary of L1 - English in class tests and examinations.

ITAL0002: Beginning Italian 2 (CEFR A2)

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: CEFR A1. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This is a Semester 2 module which takes students from A1 to A2 level on the CEFR scale. ITAL0002 provides students with the opportunity to develop their communicative skills, equips them with intercultural awareness and mediation skills whilst also enabling them to become independent learners.

ITAL0002 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option within the Languages and Global Cultures Programme, as a discovery option within the MLang Languages and Global Cultures or any other UG programmes that SGA may develop in the future as well as existing programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to…

1. speak, understand, read and write at A2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Namely:

• read simple texts, for example taken from the press, and understand, with the help of a dictionary, the information and arguments presented.
• produce written and spoken language about everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in simple terms.
• understand and use vocabulary, phrases and structures for a broad range of practical everyday interactions, and therefore understand simple dialogues accurately, so that they can communicate effectively when in target language environments

2. draw on simple techniques and strategies for learning languages

3. use simple language confidently in numerous contexts

4. understand and discuss some dimensions of target language culture, history and society

5. develop an awareness of the global issues in the relevant-speaking countries

Outline Syllabus

This is a semester 2 module which takes students from A1 to A2 level on the CEFR scale. This means that by the end of the semester students will be able to engage with basic everyday life situations such as describing their environment (people, places, job or study experience), express preferences (likes/ dislikes) and discuss past events or future plans in simple terms.

This module is seminar-led and will cover a range of oral, aural, written, and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts, thus contributing to the decolonizing agenda. The study of the cultural, social and historical context is embedded in the language learning, under the umbrella theme: locating language-specific place, landscape, community. Students will be introduced to linguistic diversity Italy and will explore the relationship between language and identity through various cultural artifacts.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, ITAL0002 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and awareness of the role and value of languages in today’s world.

Assessment Proportions

Assessment:

• Coursework (50%) - The oral/aural task takes place towards the end of the semester and consists of the following: students will choose from a list of 5 topics and will be expected to answer questions in the target language.
• Examinations (50%) - The writte.n examination at the end of the course consists of two sections which include a guided writing task

If students' first language is not English, they are allowed to use a non-annotated dictionary of L1 - English in class tests and examinations.

ITAL0003: Becoming Independent in Italian 1 (CEFR A2/B1)

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: CEFR A2. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This is module has been designed to enable students to progress from A2 to A2/B1 on the CEFR scale. ITAL0003 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as core or as an option within the BA Languages and Global Cultures and as an option within the MLang Languages and Global cultures, Psychology and Languages or any other UG programmes that SGA may develop in the future as well as existing programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to…

1. Demonstrate vocabulary, knowledge and critical understanding of the language studied appropriate to level A2/ B1.
2. Demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing on a variety of topics appropriate to level A2/B1.
3. Apply their knowledge and understanding of the language studied in new and varied contexts including translation and mediation.
4. Start to demonstrate the ability to be clear, concise and focused (both within verbal and written communication), and to tailor their message for the audience.
5. Start to demonstrate an ability to analyse and imagine alternatives across different cultures and histories.

Outline Syllabus

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from A2 to A2/B1 on the CEFR scale.

By the end of the semester students will be able to understand some of the main ideas of fairly complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. They will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers.

Throughout this module students will be exposed to a wide range of authentic materials in the target language, varying in terms of content, format and register, aimed at broadening and deepening students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, global issues and institutions. The umbrella theme of this module is people, power and places.

By encouraging students to question given narratives and power structures, this module contributes to the decolonizing agenda. Topics will typically include, but not be limited to, key political movements that have shaped contemporary Italy (like Fascism; first and second republic, etc.)

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, ITAL0003 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and imaginative skills.

Assessment Proportions

Assessment:

• Coursework (50%) - Oral/Aural Task: Students listen to two audio files or watch 2 videos which are then discussed during the test
• Exam (50%) - Written exam consisting of two parts: 1) a piece in the TL (25%) and 2) a written task on culture in English (25%).

ITAL0004: Becoming Independent in Italian 2 (CEFR B1/B2)

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: CEFR A2/B1. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from A2/B1 to B1/B2 on the CEFR scale.

ITAL0004 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as an option within the BA Languages and Global Cultures and as an option within the MLang Languages and Global cultures, Psychology and Languages or any other UG programmes that SGA may develop in the future as well as existing programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to…

1. Demonstrate vocabulary, knowledge and critical understanding of the language studied appropriate to level B1/B2.
2. Demonstrate skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing on a variety of topics appropriate to level B1/B2.
3. Apply their knowledge and understanding of the language studied in new and varied contexts including translation and mediation.
4. Demonstrate the ability to be clear, concise and focused (both within verbal and written communication), and to tailor their message for the audience.
5. Demonstrate an ability to analyse and imagine alternatives across different cultures and histories

Outline Syllabus

This module has been designed to enable students to progress from A2/B1 to B1/B2 on the CEFR scale.

By the end of the semester students will be able to understand the main ideas of fairly complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. They will be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party, including acting supportively in intercultural encounters.

Throughout this module students will be exposed to a wide range of authentic materials in the target language, varying in terms of content, format and register, aimed at broadening and deepening students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, global issues and institutions. The umbrella theme of this module is centres, peripheries and mobilities.

By encouraging students to question given narratives and tensions between centres and peripheries, this module contributes to the decolonizing agenda.

Topics will typically include (but will not be limited to) migration and immigration from the unification to the present day.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, ITAL0004 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, intercultural competences, critical thinking and imaginative skills.

Assessment Proportions

Coursework: Oral task (50%)

Oral/Aural Task: Students listen to two audio files or watch 2 videos which are then discussed during the test

Exam (50%)

Written exam consisting of two parts:

1. a piece in the TL (25%)
2. a written task on culture in English(25%)

ITAL0005: Advancing in Italian 1 (CEFR B2)

• Terms Taught: Michaelmas
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: CEFR B1/B2. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module aims to enable students consolidate their Italian B2 level CEFR. In line with CTP, all language modules are 20 credits per semester. They combine all 4 language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and integrate elements of culture.

ITAL0005 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as an option within the BA Languages and Global Cultures and as an option within the MLang Languages and Global cultures, Psychology and Languages or any other UG programmes that SGA may develop in the future as well as existing programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to…

1. produce target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for B2 level
2. understand and work with texts from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and demonstrate sensitivity to different styles, registers, stylistic norms, and varieties.
3. apply their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary holistically across the language skills and over a range of different topics in global affairs
4. synthesize and evaluate some of the global, cultural and historical issues in the relevant language -speaking countries
5. display sensitivity to a fairly wide range of linguistic styles, stimuli, language varieties
6. understand the language in its global context

Outline Syllabus

This module will cover a range of oral, aural, written and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts of each language. The general aim of the module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired in ITAL0005.

The umbrella theme of the module is “social justice”. The semester will focus on roots, origins and tongues and consider linguistic variation with the decolonising agenda as they encourage students to study language and culture from a multiplicity of perspectives. Topics may include (but will not be limited to) the religion, multiculturalism, gender and social justice, feminism, etc.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, ITAL0005 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, ability to operate in a range of different cultural contexts., critical thinking and awareness of the importance of creating more inclusive societies.

Assessment Proportions

Assessment:

• Coursework (50%) - Oral Presentation
• Exam (50%) - Translation (25%) and Culture essay (25%)

ITAL0006: Advancing in Italian 2 (CEFR B2+)

• Terms Taught: Lent/Summer
• US Credits: 5
• ECTS Credits: 10
• Pre-requisites: CEFR B2. A conversation may be required to assess language level.

Course Description

This module aims to enable students consolidate their Italian B2+ level CEFR. In line with CTP, all language modules are 20 credits. They combine all 4 language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and integrate elements of culture.

ITAL0006 is part of a suite of language modules that can be studied as an option within the BA Languages and Global Cultures and as an option within the MLang Languages and Global cultures, Psychology and Languages or any other UG programmes that SGA may develop in the future as well as existing programmes within FHASS and other faculties wishing to offer a language as part of their optional modules.

Educational Aims

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to…

1. produce target language that is fluent, expressive, well-formed and grammatically accurate for B2+ level
2. understand and work with texts from a variety of (mainly contemporary) sources, and demonstrate sensitivity to different styles, registers, stylistic norms, and varieties.
3. apply their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary holistically across the language skills and over a wide range of different topics in global affairs.
4. synthesize and evaluate some of the global issues in the relevant language -speaking countries
5. display sensitivity to a wide range of linguistic styles, stimuli, language varieties
6. understand the language in its global context

Outline Syllabus

This module will cover a range of oral, aural, written and reading skills in an integrated way that embraces techniques of linguistic mediation and the plurilingual contexts of each language. The general aim of the module, comprising four hours per week, is to consolidate and build on the linguistic skills already acquired in ITAL0006.

The umbrella theme of the module is “cultural translation”. All these themes are in line with the decolonising agenda as they encourage students to study language and culture from a multiplicity of perspectives. Topics in French for this level may include (but are not limited to) translating cultural works in the contexts of gender, nation?and ethnicity.

Whether studied as a core or a discovery module, ITAL0006 constitutes an important step in enabling students to achieve their graduate attributes as it enhances their employability, ability to operate in a range of different cultural contexts, critical thinking and awareness of the importance of creating more inclusive societies.

Assessment Proportions

Assessment:

• Exam (50%) - Written 3-hour exam based on: 1) on a topic on their learning journey or reflexive responses to a text in target language, and 2) culture topics written about in English.

• Oral (50%) - based on a text chosen by staff on the day of the exam out of a selection of three texts received 24h in advance.