Italian Language
| Module title | Italian Language |
|---|---|
| Module code | MLI1001 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Mrs Alice Farris () |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
Module description
The module provides you with the opportunity to develop your language skills in Italian through the medium of writing, reading and listening comprehension, translation and speaking. Different grammar points will be studied throughout the course, but they will be always explored in context. Emphasis will be given to the use and acquisition of more advanced vocabulary and awareness of linguistic variation.
This module is designed for students who have A-level in Italian language or equivalent, and who wish to acquire the foundation for studying Italian at level two and beyond.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module's aims are the consolidation of the grammatical knowledge of Italian, the acquisition and increase of lexicon, and the improvement of comprehension and expression in both written and oral forms. At the end of the year, students will have enhanced their ability to communicate in accurate Italian, in a clear and structured manner.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Apply knowledge of a range of grammatical features of Italian, including some complex or advanced structures, to a range of linguistic exercises.
- 2. Attempt straightforward translation from and into Italian
- 3. Present arguments in written Italian in answer to clearly defined essay topics
- 4. Express ideas and opinions orally in Italian and interact with other students in a group and with the tutor
- 5. Use a bilingual and learners monolingual dictionary to establish basic meanings and to find key grammatical information
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Recognize and understand a core linguistic terminology
- 7. Engage, under guidance, with the Italian-language media (printed and electronic, including television, radio)
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Communicate at an adequate level in Italian
- 9. Express and discuss views as part of a group
- 10. Advance his/her linguistic competence independently, with guidance from course tutors.
- 11. Use IT skills effectively to support language development
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
Grammar topics in order of study: regular and irregular verbs, uses of past tenses, future, imperative, conditional, subjunctive, direct/indirect object pronouns, the pronouns ci and ne, double pronouns, relative and interrogative pronouns, indefinite adjectives and pronouns, passive form. Development of translation and writing techniques and strategies; acquisition of new vocabulary; enhancement of comprehension skills and ability to develop a natural and accurate form of expression in the target language. Topics for the classes will be drawn from both the textbook Espresso 2 and other texts such as newspapers articles or contemporary novels, as well as the internet, radio, television and cinema.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 234 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Grammar and writing: Revising and enhancing students knowledge of the grammar with particular emphasis on the use of linguistic structures. The grammar is studied in context with listening comprehension and written composition practice. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Translation and written comprehension: Developing translation skills using a variety of texts. Discussion on the possibilities of translation and correction of work done. Work on vocabulary and particular linguistic structures. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | Oral and listening comprehension practise: Developing and enhancing oral and listening comprehension skills. The methodology followed is task-oriented and student-centred with special emphasis on a communicative approach encouraging independent learning in a supportive environment. |
| Guided Independent Study | 234 | Private study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 formative tasks (grammar tests, writing, oral work, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and translation | Variable | 1-11 | Written and oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 30 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination | 30 | 1.5 hours | 1-3, 5-7, 11 | Written and oral feedback |
| Listening comprehension | 10 | Up to 1 hour | 1,6,7,10,11 | Written and oral feedback |
| Portfolio | 40 | As described on the ELE page | 1-11 | Written feedback |
| Oral | 20 | Individual and in-pair presentations. Up to 20 minutes | 1, 4-11 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination | Written examination | 1-3, 5-7, 11 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Listening comprehension | Listening comprehension | 1,6,7,10,11 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 1-11 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Oral | Oral | 1, 4-11 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
You will only be required to retake any failed assessments. Marks for any passed assessments will be carried forward. If you have failed any assessments but managed to pass the module overall, you will not be allowed to retake the failed assessments.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Textbook:
- New Italian Espresso Textbook. Alma Edizioni
- Recommended grammar: Maiden and Robustelli, A Reference Grammar of Modern Italian (Arnold).
- Recommended dictionary: Collins English-Italian Italian-English Dictionary, ed M. Clari & C.E. Love (Harper Collins)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Regular showings of Italian films during the year and a very comprehensive audiovisual section in the library. A good set of resources also for developing language skills at the Foreign Language Centre.
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | A-level Italian or equivalent |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | October 2015 |
| Last revision date | 01/10/2021 |
