Italian Language and Cultures: Elementary - LAN00087I

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Module summary

Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. The key aim of the course is to enable students to develop their language skills so that they are able to communicate effectively and confidently in the target language in everyday, predictable situations.

Students will then have the basis for continuing their studies at a higher level, should they choose to progress to the module Italian Language and cultures: Lower Intermediate.

Related modules

The course is aimed at learners with a rusty or basic knowledge of the target language, foundation GCSE or those who have successfully completed the module Italian Language and Cultures: Beginner or equivalent.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2024-25
B	Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in Italian over the course of a semester. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level, to about A2-level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:

1. reception activities (oral, audio-video, and reading comprehension);

2. production activities (oral and written production);

3. interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).

The mediums of instruction is English and Italian.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• Understand short texts dealing with everyday topics (e.g. lifestyle, hobbies, sports, weather) and read short, simple stories involving familiar, concrete situations described in everyday language.

• Produce simple texts on familiar topics and give their impressions and opinions (e.g. lifestyles and culture, stories), using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.

• Give a short presentation and manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.

• Recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges (e.g. different greetings, celebrations, festivals, social/regional traditions, etc) and apply them appropriately.

• Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices.

• Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.

Module content

The course will include topics such as:

• Talking about plans, future ideas, and forecasts.

• Expressing preferences.

• Visiting a GP and talking about health issues.

• Shopping, grocery shopping, and expressing quantities.

• Talking about memories in the past, describing habits in the past.

• Writing a formal letter, a CV, talking about jobs, replying to a job offer

• Giving advice, asking for a favour or help, formulating a request.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	40

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	40

Module feedback

Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work throughout the semester and assessed via end-of-semester exams. Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.