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Italian Language and Cultures: Proficient - LAN00060H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Raffaele Zanotti
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module combines an in-depth study of Italian with analysis of cultural and social phenomena. Students will develop knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Italian at proficient level through engagement with topics of historical, cultural, and social importance, such as “gli anni di piombo” and “mafia”.

Related modules

Pre-requisite module

Italian Language and Cultures: Advanced OR equivalent level of language proficiency.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims at refining students’ knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to communicate in Italian, and to develop a plurilingual and pluricultural communicative competence at proficient level. The module covers a variety of sources in Italian and English about contemporary cultural and social issues in Italian-speaking countries, and related diasporic communities. Particular emphasis will be given to developing students' ability to research, analyse, present, and synthesise sources from critical perspectives using a range of sophisticated language structures accurately. Students will also receive training in professional presentation skills. The medium of instruction is Italian. Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities focussing on three modes of communication: 1) reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension); 2) production activities (oral and written production); 3) interaction (oral, written and online interaction).

Module learning outcomes

  • Ability to understand a wide range of long and complex written, audiovisual and digital texts, and media, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.

  • Ability to produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure, demonstrating a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

  • Ability to set out multiple perspectives on complex topics, clearly distinguishing their own ideas and opinions from those in the sources.

  • Ability to present complex information concisely to a live audience for a variety of purposes.

  • Awareness of cultural differences and ability to make subtle adjustments in order to navigate diverse cultural contexts.

Module content

The module will focus on a variety of key historical, cultural and social aspects of 20th and 21st century Italy, such as “gli anni di piombo” and “mafia”.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Italian Language and Culture: Proficient		 3 hours 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Presentation		 0.33 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Italian Language and Culture: Proficient		 3 hours 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Oral Presentation		 0.33 hours 50

Module feedback

Feedback on summative assessment will be returned according to the university mandated feedback turnaround time. Feedback on formative tasks will be given throughout the module and will vary according to the tasks.

Indicative reading

Material will be available on the VLE.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.