LA1PI3-IWLP Italian 3

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: LA1PI2 or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IT1L1 Beginners Italian Language and IT1L2 Intermediate Italian Language and IT1L3 Advanced Italian Language I and IT2L2 Intermediate Italian Language and IT2L4 Advanced Italian Language II and IT3L6 Advanced Italian Language III and LA1PI1 IWLP Italian 1 and LA1PI2 IWLP Italian 2
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Ugo Marsili
Email: u.marsili@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is intended for students with previous basic knowledge of the Italian language (A2 of the CEFR or equivalent),

This module aims at enabling students to achieve a CEFR B1 level within a defined range of topics, enabling students to move from the immediate personal domain of communicative situations into educational and work related domains.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Reading University allows students from any year to take this module. Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non- routine. In language learning this means acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, developing strategies for learning and practising the language in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, in order to communicate within defined situations while developing tools to enable students to respond to unexpected occurrences. Students will exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills. They will gain understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups.  Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempted from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking. For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:
The module aims at providing students with:

- the ability to communicate in Italian in everyday situations about matters of relevance encountered in work, education, leisure etc.
- a competence in Italian grammar and vocabulary in order to communicate at a more independent level
- further insights into aspects of society and everyday life in Italian-speaking countries

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students will be able to:

• Sustain a straightforward conversation reasonably fluently within a range of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.


• Write straightforward connected texts on a limited range of familiar subjects, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.


• Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, including short narratives.


• Read straightforward factual texts on a limited range of subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.


• Recognise and apply further and increasingly more complex Italian grammar and structures with increased confidence when speaking and writing about subjects within his/her field of interest


• Possess and control an increas ingly wider selection Italian vocabulary in order to understand speakers and texts and communicate about subjects within his/her field of interest.

Additional outcomes:

At the end of the course students will also have: 

• developed their ability to work in a team and to a deadline 


• strengthened their communication skills 


• identified further aspects of society and every-day life in Italian-speaking countries? 


• deepened their intercultural awareness and sensitivity for a different culture 


• developed their independent learning skills? 


• increased their ability to research a topic independently and to evaluate sources of information  


• increased their ability to complete a project according to a brief  


• stimulated their creativity 

Outline content:
The module will consolidate and develop the language and communicative situations of selected of areas of relevant to visiting living and working in Italy. Topics will include work and study in Italy, youth culture, news and media, plans for the future, etc. A solid linguistic foundation will continue to be ensured by the study of grammar and vocabulary, always presented in context in an accessible and engaging way.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role playing, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Language focus sessions and guided independent learning activities play also an important part. Learning activities are supported by a variety of digital and printed media. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final Written exam (Reading and Writing) – 35% (2 hours)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Spring term week 4: project: Oral group discussion 10% (15 minutes) 

Spring term week 5: Project: written report 15% (500-word)

Spring term week 11: In class test: Listening test 15% (1 hour)

Summer term week 1-3: Paired Oral exam 25% (maximum 30 minutes per pair) 

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which feedback is provided. There are two opportunities per term to receive formal feedback on speaking and writing. Students are also encouraged to keep a portfolio of their work.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40% overall for UG students, 50% overall for PGT students.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period on basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: Textbook under review 
   
   


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 8 April 2021