This course continues the probing review of the Italian language begun in ITAL2005. Use is made of different media including audiovisual material and computer aided language teaching. The course integrates music and literature to further the linguistic and cultural learning objectives of the unit. 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 texts, written (including poetry), aural and visual on different topics relating to linguistic and inter/cultural areas (stereotypes about Italians; media; literature; the ‘new' Italian family; folk traditions; the environment);
2. interact orally with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, present their analysis and sustain their critical opinions about a variety of issues and texts fluently and accurately;
3. conduct independent research for their projects on Italian language and culture;
4. apply their skills (grammatical, lexical and cultural) to write, coherently and accurately, descriptive, analytical and imaginative texts (poetry) comparing their own culture to the target culture/s.

In-class tests (50%), written assignments (20%) and oral tests (30%).

4 hours of classes per week including 1 hour of audio-visual activities

ITAL2005 Continuing 1 or equivalent

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