This course provides an introduction to Italian language and culture.  It is designed to give learners the knowledge and skills required to use Italian in a variety of daily contexts. The methodology employed adopts an Intercultural Perspective and integrates a Communicative Approach, aiming to develop all language skills, with linguistic reflection.

Use is made of different media and authentic texts, in addition to the prescribed course materials. Class time is divided between interactive language work, linguistic and cultural reflection and computer aided language learning.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Communicate simply in daily contexts including describing people, places and daily routines.
2. Comprehend written and multimedia texts describing people, places and aspects of Italian life and culture.
3. Understand aspects of Italian society and culture.
4. Appreciate Italy's geographical diversity and places of cultural, historical and artistic significance.
5. Understand some basic linguistic features of the Italian language and relevant meta-linguistic terminology.
6. Understand basic pragmatic aspects of the Italian.

In class quizzes  (/grammar/culture/geography 30%) [LOs 3, 4, 5]

In class reading/listening /writing tests 20%  [LOs 2, 3, 4, 5]

One recorded oral test (15%) [LOs 1, 3, 5, 6]

Online glossary and regular workbook exercises (15%) [LOs 5, 2]

One multimedia (visual/written/aural) assignment: Speaking postcard (20%) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

4 hours of classes and an average of 6 hours of study outside of class time.

Gruppo Italidea (2006). Italian Espresso 1. Italian Course for English Speakers. Alma Edizioni: Firenze