IT1L1-Beginners Italian Language
Module Provider: Modern Languages
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: If you take this module you cannot take an IWLP module in Italian.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IT1L3 Advanced Italian Language I and IT1L2 Intermediate Italian Language
Module version for: 2017/8
Module Convenor: Dr Chiara Ciarlo
Email: c.ciarlo@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
This module aims to introduce students with no previous knowledge of Italian to the study of Italian language and culture. The course will provide the necessary basis for the study of Italian. Students who successfully complete this module will have achieved a level of competence in Italian comparable to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Aims:
This module aims to introduce students with no previous knowledge of Italian to the study of Italian language and culture, and to equip them with the necessary linguistic competence and proficiency to undertake a degree in, or involving, Italian Studies.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
- understand spoken and written Italian on everyday matters and topics of personal interest at an appropriate level;
- express themselves in speech and writing on everyday matters, especially those relating to their own experience;
- show a knowledge of basic relevant grammatical rules, and benefit from this knowledge in their understanding of Italian language.
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage students to:
- actively reflect on their learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and relevant skills to ensure linguistic progression;
- develop the necessary strategies to deal with a variety of texts in Italian (written and oral) of gradually increasing levels of difficulty and to infer meaning from context and co-text;
- identify, assess and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools);
- develop and apply their problem-solving abilities;
- plan, manage and deliver work in a team;
- contribute to the design of the syllabus and the assessment of part of the course.
Outline content:
This is an intensive course, in which students steadily progress from a basic functional use of the language to a more complex oral and written production. They will learn to elicit meaning related to their level of knowledge and ability from a variety of oral and written texts, and to produce simple connected texts that are relevant to their personal experience. The course will include a Language Skills component, which will allow students to focus on activities that promote and advance their awareness of language structures in general, and on the active exploration of ways of applying such awareness to the learning of the Italian language.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be taught mainly in small groups.
A variety of methods and approaches are employed to facilitate effective language learning. Gradual but fast progression and in-depth study are ensured through guided work, both in and outside of class, with the support of teacher-led activities and tasks, a wide range of authentic and teacher-produced learning material, and a set textbook. Student-led activities are actively promoted and consistent use of the resources available in the Self-Access Centre for Language Learning is strongly encouraged.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written exam |
50 |
| Written assignment including essay |
20 |
| Oral assessment and presentation |
20 |
| Practical skills assessment |
10 |
Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework: Students will complete continuous assessment work worth 20% of the module mark over two terms. This will include class tests and/or coursework projects.
Examination: Students will take a two-hour written examination, worth 50% of the final mark for the module, and an oral exam, worth 20% of the final mark for this module.
The Language Skills component will be assessed by a combination of project work and class test, worth 10% of the final mark for the module.
Penalties for late submission:
The Department will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy:
• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline) 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (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 Students are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. Students are also advised to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (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.
Length of examination:
2 hours
Requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1 as a whole, or (for compulsory modules only) of failure to qualify in Part 1.
Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
Required text books.
Last updated: 31 March 2017