ITAL3021: Italian Language 4

• Italian Language 2B (ITAL2031) or Italian Language 2A (ITAL2111)

• At least one additional level 3 module in Italian Studies

• Italian Language 4 following Year Abroad (ITAL3091)

• To teach advanced competence in the contemporary spoken and written idiom, in various registers, building on principles and practice applied in Italian Language 2A (ITAL2111) and Italian Language 2B (ITAL2031), and to reinforce understanding of modern Italian life and culture.

• Advanced language activities based on authentic materials i.e. up to date articles from the press and other relevant texts, literary and non-literary, as well as videoclips and audioclips
• Grammar exercises to improve accuracy and idiomatic use of the language
• Speaking practice in small groups, based on the discussion of topical issues studied in the context of Italian experience.
• The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module students should have:
• Detailed practical and analytical knowledge and effective understanding of the lexis, structures, registers, and varieties of Italian (equivalent to CEFR level C1/C2).
• The ability to demonstrate a reasoned awareness and a critical, comparative understanding of Italian culture and society.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of this module students should have:
• The ability to communicate fluently and appropriately, maintaining a high degree of grammatical accuracy, in writing and in speech, with users of Italian (equivalent to CEFR level C1/C2).
• The ability to understand and analyse written and spoken discourse in the Italian language and to mediate between languages.
• Experience of independent research, including the ability to identify, evaluate, and organise relevant primary and secondary cultural material.

Key Skills:

• By the end of this module the students should be able to demonstrate:
• The ability to identify, describe, and analyse problems of language use in general and work out strategies for interpretation.
• The ability to communicate ideas and information orally and in writing, devise and sustain coherent and cogent arguments.
• The ability to employ the sophisticated reading skills they have acquired to gather, sift, process, synthesise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources (print-media, audio-visual, and electronic).
• Responsiveness to the disciplines of working alone, and with others as part of a group.
• The ability to write and think under pressure and to manage time.
• The ability to demonstrate a high degree of agility and flexibility in the work place, a skill derived from their experience of the wide diversity of techniques required to pursue the programme successfully.

• This module is taught in two weekly language classes. All classes are taught in Italian. Students are required to attend all classes and are expected to prepare themselves for classes and participate actively in discussions.

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