IT3L6C-Advanced Italian Language III (3-yr programme)

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IT3L3 Advanced Italian Language I and IT3L4 Advanced Italian Language II and IT3L6 Advanced Italian Language III
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Ms Rita Balestrini

Email: r.balestrini@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is aimed at students who have successfully completed IT2L4 in Part 2 but progress from Part 2 to Part 3 without the Year Abroad.

Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of linguistic competence and proficiency comparable to level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). 

Aims:

This course aims to build on students' previous knowledge of Italian, further advancing their skills in both written and spoken Italian, and in translating from and into Italian. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a sound grasp of the grammatical forms and syntactical structures of the Italian language;


• demonstrate a knowledge of a wide range of Italian lexis and idioms; write in Italian at an advanced level on topics of general and current interest;


• demonstrate a knowledge of a wide range of Italian lexis and idioms;


• write in Italian at an advanced level on topics of general and current interest;


• demonstrate the ability to deliver oral presentations and sustain a discussion in Italian on topics of academic relevance.

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• show an awareness of the techniques involved in translating from one language to another;


• translate a range of written texts accurately and fluently a t a sophisticated and advanced level both from English into Italian and from Italian into English.

Additional outcomes:

This modules aims to enable students to:

• actively reflect on their learning processes so as to independently strengthen appropriate strategies and relevant skills to ensure linguistic progression;


• make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools, etc.)


• further practise and expand reading, analytical and interpretative skills in relation to written Italian;


• consolidate their awareness of current issues in Italian-speaking countries.

Outline content:

The course will focus on a variety of language exercises that will involve students in the exploration and production of written and oral texts representing a wide range of genres and registers. 

Weekly two-hour classes will provide students with regular practice in free and guided writing, and in presenting, discussing and debating in the foreign language. Classes will also offer the opportunity for students to explicitly analyse grammatical and syntactical features in Italian.

An extra weekly on-hour class gives students the opportunity to focus on a variety of exercises in translating from and into Italian.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will use a variety of strategies for teaching and learning, involving a mixture of group-work, class discussion and analysis, and independent work between sessions. Students will complete regular exercises as homework and will also do a variety of exercises in class.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	30	25	5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	27	25	4
Advance preparation for classes	15	15	4
Preparation for seminars	10	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks	2	2
Revision and preparation	2	2
Group study tasks	10	12
Total hours by term	96	91	13
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Practical skills assessment	80

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will take  an oral exam worth 20% of the final mark for this module. 

Students who were not able to complete the YA are expected to produce, at the beginning of the Autumn Term, a short reflective piece on their independent language learning during the summer.

Progression of language practical skills and competence will be assessed over three terms through class tests and/or coursework projects. Students’ continuous assessment work is worth 80% of the module mark.

Formative assessment methods:
Feedback will be given on assignments and there will be opportunity for class-based discussion.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment, which will be via a 2-hour written test, in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in the degree as a whole. Continuous assessment and/or coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required textbooks: Information provided in the module reading list.

Last updated: 1 October 2020