Advanced Italian Language Skills (MLI3111)

StaffProfessor Luciano Parisi - Convenor
Credit Value30
ECTS Value15
NQF Level6
Pre-requisitesMLI2001 or MLI2051  or equivalent
Co-requisitesNone
Duration of Module Term 1: 11 weeks; Term 2: 11 weeks;

Module aims

This module aims to enable you to reach a higher level of proficiency in modern Italian, written and spoken, with emphasis on a variety of styles. When appropriate, classes will be conducted in Italian.

ILO: Module-specific skills

  • 1. Write various types of original documents in Italian
  • 2. Tackle complex translation passages in and out of Italian
  • 3. Discuss complex topical and abstract issues in an appropriate register of oral Italian, appropriately using a broad range of vocabulary and idiom

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

  • 4. Understand linguistic terminology as applied to a variety of Italian texts
  • 5. Engage critically with Italian-language media, printed and electronic

ILO: Personal and key skills

  • 6. With guidance from lecturers, take progressively, increasing responsibility for your own language learning
  • 7. Improve your oral skills by presenting coherent arguments, and by expressing and defending opinions on a range of topical and abstract issues

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that :

  • In one semester, you will focus on translation skills, translating into both English and Italian.
  • In the other semester, you will develop their written Italian by continuing to translate into Italian and also by improving your writing skills.
  • Throughout the year you will also improve your spoken Italian by engaging with a series of texts on contemporary life in class debates led by native speakers

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
662340

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching11Writing skills: Exploration of different genres and style of writing through individual, pair and group work. Advanced reflections on employability
Scheduled Learning and Teaching11Translation from Italian into English: Guidance in translation using a variety of texts and genres. Discussion of the difficulties that can emerge from translating into the target language
Scheduled Learning and Teaching22Translation from English into Italian: Guidance in translation using a variety of texts and genres. Advanced grammar revision. Extra vocabulary development. Advanced reflections on language learning and intercultural differences
Scheduled Learning and Teaching22Conversation classes: Specific tasks and topics for discussion based on stimuli from printed and audiovisual media.
Guided Independent Study234Private study

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
10 practice assignments in Translation and Writing Variable1-7Written and oral
1 assignment in Oral WorkVariable3, 4, 6, 7Written and oral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
07525

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
January written examination 25Exam1, 4, 5, 6Written feedback
May written examination (Translation and commentary)25Exam1, 2, 4, 5, 6Written feedback
May written examination (writing skills)25Exam1, 4, 5, 6Written feedback
Oral examination2515 minutes3, 5, 6, 7Written feedback
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
January written examinationWritten examination1, 4-6Referral/Deferral period
Written examination (Translation and Commentary)Written examination1,2,4-6Referral/Deferral period
Written examination (Writing skills)Written examination1, 4, 5, 6Referral/Deferral period
Oral examinationOral examination3, 5, 6, 7Referral/Deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

You will only be required to retake any failed assessments. Marks for any passed assessments will be carried forward. If you have failed any assessments but managed to pass the module overall, you will not be allowed to retake the failed assessments.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Set Texts:

  • Bank of newspaper articles on biodiversity available on ELE
  • Banks of passages from Italian plays and scripts available on ELE
  • Bank of passages on contemporary Italy available on ELE
  • Selected grammar exercises available on ELE

Recommended books:

  • Giacomo Devoto, Giancarlo Oli, Vocabolario della lingua italiana (Milano: Mondadori, any recent edition)
  • Giuseppe Ragazzini, Italian Dictionary (Bromley: Harrap, any recent edition)
  • The Oxford Italian Dictionary (University of Exeter Digital Library)
  • Nicola Zingarelli, Vocabolario della linguta italiana (Bologna: Zanichelli, any recent edition)

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1410

http://www.italian-verbs.com/verbi-italiani/coniugazione.php?verbo=studiare

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

17/07/2013

Last revision date

12/05/2021

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