ML8189: Beginners Italian Language Year 1

School Italian
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML8189
External Subject Code 100326
Number of Credits 40
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Mariagiovanna Motta
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

This is an intensive beginner’s language programme. The course is designed to enable students with no previous knowledge of the language to reach a level of intermediate proficiency by the end of the year, and to build towards the use of the language at a high level. Study focuses on the four major language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening – through online activities and written work, use of video and audio material, and interaction with native speakers (including Erasmus students hosted by the department).

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  1. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance with the tutor
  2. Read, understand and speak the Italian language to at least the level of A2 Common European Framework
  3. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in Italian
  4. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical accuracy
  5. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written texts
  6. Have extended and refined vocabulary and skills by engaging with the Independent Learning Portfolio
  7. Be able to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
  8. To be able to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tool)
  9. Collaborate with peers and contribute to online discussion boards in Italian on topics and themes explored in the learning environment.

How the module will be delivered

 

The module will be taught through a blend of live online classes and guided, interactive online tasks and activities, designed to fulfil the learning outcomes. These will be delivered remotely, and on-campus if the University deems it safe and practicable.

Independent Learning: You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying and participating in in individual and collaborative activities outside the live sessions. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. You will be asked to consolidate your language learning by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in Italian. You will also be expected to prepare and complete exercises and activities online, to complete written, listening and oral tasks and to engage with tutors and peers through discussion boards and forums. Over the course of the year you will begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Students will develop:

  1. Subject-specific language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in the Italian language at the appropriate level
  2. The ability to use language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences
  3. The abilities to extract and synthesize key information from written, spoken and other sources
  4. A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function
  5. The skills to be effective, independent  and self-aware Iearners, including active reflection on learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and linguistic skills to ensure progression
  6. The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
  7. Skills in intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practice other than one’s own
  8. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction – both in an online environment and face-to-face
  9. Enhanced digital literacy skills
  10. The ability to actively participate in online group discussions with an online community of learners through chats, discussion boards or forums

How the module will be assessed

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Reassessment

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 20 Coursework 1 N/A
Written Assessment 20 Coursework 2 N/A
Class Test 20 Oral Exam N/A
Portfolio 40 Portfolio N/A

Syllabus content

The course will focus on:

Introducing the fundaments of grammar

Introducing sentence structures

Building a range of vocabulary relevant to daily life, as specified in the European Common Framework of Reference, level A2

Introducing different registers

Introducing the cultural contexts of Italian culture

Making the most of independent learning and learning technologies

 

Essential Reading and Resource List

Key course materials are provided on the Learning Central – the University’s virtual learning environment.

Students will also be provided with coursekits containing indications of essential reading and materials that will be required in class.

Students are also expected to engage with the materials and resources included in the Independent Learning Portfolios on Learning Central

Background Reading and Resource List

The following texts are recommended to complement contact time activities and for revision.

Dictionaries:

Dizionario della lingua italiana (Zanichelli or Treccani)

Oxford/Paravia Italian-English Dictionary

Recommended Online Dictionary: http://www.wordreference.com/ 

Students will be provided with coursekits containing indications of essential reading and materials that will be required in class.

Students are also expected to engage with the materials and resources included in the Independent Learning Portfolios on Learning Central

 


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