The aim of this course is to deepen and build upon the introductory grounding in Italian that students have gained by completing ITAL1003 Introductory 2. This is also a possible entry point for students with some prior experience of Italian. Use is made of different media including audiovisual material and computer aided language teaching. The course includes study of Italian songs to further students' linguistic and cultural learning. Active language production is encouraged in classroom situations such as role playing, structured conversations and reading and writing activities. Class time is divided between interactive language work, linguistic reflection and Italian culture and society.

The assessment is designed to optimise learning through tasks that presume a holistic conception of language and culture learning.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand a range of short texts, written, aural and visual on different topics relating to linguistic and cultural areas related to familiar matters (Italian youth and the Internet; study work and leisure; health and eating habits; living in Italy; immigration)
2. enter spontaneously in conversations on topics that are familiar
3. be familiar with a repertoire of Italian songs (folk, pop, lyrical)
4. produce brief fluent and accurate presentation about describing their experiences and explaining their critical opinion on events, people and texts
5. have the skills (grammatical, lexical and cultural) to write, coherently and accurately, their reactions to songs and films
6. write brief creative texts

In-class tests with written component of 200 words (40%), 500 word written assignments (20%), orals (30%), and at-home preparation of exercises for class (10%)

4 hours of classes per week including audio-visual activities

ITAL1003 Introductory 2 or equivalent

Italian Espresso 2 (Textbook, CD and workbook bundle). Firenze: Alma Edizioni, 2007