This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.

This module is designed to enable students to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into the Italian language efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between Italian and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; and operating and presenting arguments effectively in the Italian language through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare students thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. Students will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the Italian language.

This module will also involve mediating skills between the languages through the use of all or any of the following: translation from and into English of passages drawn from a range of journalistic, literary and other sources which will help to practice the corresponding grammar points studied in the class; summaries of English texts in Italian or similar activities. These exercises will focus on key translation issues (e.g., register, tone, style), identify techniques for overcoming linguistic problems encountered in translation, and enable students to expand their vocabulary in core areas covered in translation classes.

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching and online activities, the emphasis is on student participation. Students will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions and in-class tasks like small group projects and presentations. Students will also be required to put together a portfolio of work over the Christmas period.

For Erasmus students, this course corresponds to a B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance from the tutor.
2. Read, write, understand and speak the Italian language to at least the level of B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
3. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in the Italian language.
4. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy.
5. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written and audio/audio-visual texts.
6. Work productively with others as part of a team, within a set structure.
7. Engage with appropriate language learning technologies.
8. Identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. grammar references, mono- and bi-lingual dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools).
9. Be prepared for the Year Abroad experience.
10. Have reinforced and improved the practice of vocabulary learning.
11. Have improved the pronunciation and intonation of the language.
12. Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of Italian society and culture (including music, cinema, and literature), a well-developed cultural awareness prior to the Year Abroad.
13. Display an awareness of key translation issues (register, tone, and style), an expanded vocabulary in the Italian language and an enhanced capacity for dealing with linguistic problems encountered in translation.
14. Display analytical and reasoning skills, critical evaluation of text/video/audio material, translation skills.
15. Collaborate with peers and contribute to online discussion boards in Italian on topics and themes explored in the learning environment.

We strongly recommend and encourage independent learning.

Independent Learning: Students 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 students develop their expertise as independent language learners. Students will be asked to consolidate their language learning by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in Italian. Students 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, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

1. Enhanced analytical skills
2. Accurate written expression in the Italian language
3. Cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad
4. Encouragement of use, and development, of advanced IT skills
5. Encouragement of both independent and group working skills
6. Improvement of the Italian language - listening and comprehension
7. Accurate spoken expression in the Italian language
8. Awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation
9. Understanding of Italian society and culture
10. Skill of translating short passages from and into English
11. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction – both in an online environment and face-to-face
12. The ability to actively participate in online group discussions with an online community of learners through chats, discussion boards or forums

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.

1. 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 B2 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. Be able to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
7. To be able to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tool)

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

Students will also be provided with course-kits 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

• Dizionario della lingua italiana (Zanichelli or Treccani).
• Oxford/Paravia Italian-English Dictionary.
• Recommended Online Dictionary: http://www.wordreference.com/.