The course is an introduction to Italy’s diplomacy, institutions and role in the international community (UN, EU and other international organizations) and the formal language used in these fields. Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts underlying the structure of the modern Italian state, (internal structures and external relations). Internal structures (forms of government, the public service) will be studied through an analysis of the language used in formal documents such as contracts and the Constitution.  The main differences between Statute Law (Italy) and Common Law (Australia) will be explained. Discussion of external relations will include the Italian diplomatic service, its role abroad, and the rules and language of protocol.

The language section of the course will give the students a comprehensive introduction to and understanding of formal legal, administrative and business Italian

By the end of this course, you should be able to

1. listen, read and comprehend diplomatic texts in Italian;
2. produce brief diplomatic letters and other texts requiring a basic knowledge of Italian grammar;
3. use Italian in formal settings/situations, according to level of entry;
4. research and present brief commentaries, in Italian for intermediate and advanced level students, in English for Introductory Italian level students, about diplomatic and law concepts - themes: the work of an embassy, the diplomatic career, the constitution, common law, statute law;
5. identify issues in diplomatic relations and develop general skills required to pursue a career in this field of the public service.

1. Develop and enact roleplay within a set scenario – outcomes 2,3,5 – weight 30%   OR Individual oral presentation on a given topic - – outcomes 2,3,5 – weight 30%
2. Essay on one of the topics of the lectures, 2000 words – outcomes 1, 4, 5 – weight 40%
3. Grammar and lexicon related quizzes – outcomes 1, 2, 3 – weight 20%

Participation in class and via wattle forum -  outcomes 1,4, 5 – weight 10%

26 hours seminars, 13 hours of language related classes, 5- 7 hours per week of individual work

Departmental consent.

Corequisites: none

Incompatibility: none

n/a

Related reading material will be published on the Wattle site

Reference textbooks:

Beginners: to be advised

Reference textbooks:

1. Forapani D., Italiano per giuristi, 2003 Alma Edizioni
2. Incalcaterra-McLaughlin Laurs et al., Italiano per economisti, 2004 Alma Edizioni

Availability of  access to Internet since materials will be on Wattle. Occasional use of video conferencing in the Ethel Tory Centre.