
- UCAS course code
- R300
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Italian Project
Unit code | ITAL20600 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 20 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Running parallel with the Level 2 options in Italian, and building on the techniques of textual analysis that were introduced at Level 1, this is a hands-on course which will enable students to improve their reading abilities in Italian, whilst deepening their appreciation and understanding of literary texts and of social issues in the Italian-speaking world. Through a combination of small-group discussions, group tutorials and private study, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake close readings of texts (chosen from a prescribed list) and to write analyses of them that situate them in their social-political context. The discussions will focus on a range of tutor-led and student-led activities designed to develop an understanding of literature in Italian and also methods of analysing and discussing that literature.
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Italian Cultural Studies | ITAL10300 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
Reading Italy: Medieval to Modern | ITAL10500 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
Available on which programme(s)? | Core course unit for Level 2 for post-A level Italian Single Honours students, or students on certain programme combinations.¿ |
Aims
To develop critical thinking, conceptual reasoning and analytical skills
To develop the ability to read and analyse literary texts
To develop the ability to place literary texts in social and political context
To develop a better understanding of the historical and social realities of the Italian-speaking world
To develop a better understanding of literary texts in Italian
Knowledge and understanding
Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will be able to:
demonstrate an improved ability to read in Italian
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Italian literary texts
write commentaries and essays in English discussing and analysing Italian literary texts
place literary texts in their historical context within the Italian-speaking world
make use of relevant methodology
engage critically with secondary literature
Intellectual skills
Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will:
Display cultural analytical skills (literary analysis, social and political analysis)
Be able to value knowledge for its own sake, and to appreciate literary creativity within the Italian-speaking world
Practical skills
Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will demonstrate:
A significantly improved ability to read Italian
A significantly improved vocabulary and syntax in Italian
An ability to manage time, and work to deadlines;
An improved ability to work with information and communication technology (ICT)
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Having satisfactorily completed this course unit, students will have learned to:
undertake independent learning and reflect upon their achievements;
participate constructively in group discussions;
think critically and present arguments logically
Employability skills
- Other
- Students will develop their communicative skills by writing and debating ideas in a clear, concise and coherent manner. They will also cultivate their ability to analyse, evaluate and critique a wide range of material. They will improve their knowledge of the Italian language and be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of Italian culture and history.
Assessment methods
Assessment task | Formative or Summative | Length | Weighting within unit (if summative) |
Commentary plan | Formative | 500 words |
|
Commentary | Summative | 1750 words | 40% |
Essay plan | Formative | 500 words |
|
Analytical essay about a novel or film | Summative | 2750 words | 60% |
Resit Assessment
Assessment task | Length |
Essay on novel | 3000 words |
Feedback methods
Feedback method | Formative or Summative |
| Formative |
| Summative |
| Summative and formative |
| Formative |
| Summative |
Recommended reading
Set Texts¿:
Semester 1: A selection of short stories, poems and plays will be made available on Blackboard
Semester 2: A list of selected novels and novellas with short summaries will be made available on Blackboard. All texts suggested are available in the University of Manchester library and in affordable pocket editions.
Suggested further readings
Ciccarelli, Andrea, and Peter Bondanella, The Cambridge companion to the Italian novel (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003)
Chambers, Ellie, and Andrew Northledge, The Arts Good Study Guide (Milton Keynes: Oxford University Press, 1997)
Cuddon, J. A., The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory (any edition)
Eagleton, Terry, How To Read Literature (New Heaven, London: Yale University Press, 2013)
McKee, Alan, Textual Analysis: A Beginner’s Guide (London: SAGE, 2003)
Reardon, Denis, Doing Your Undergraduate Project (London: SAGE, 2004)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Seminars | 5 |
Supervised time in studio/wksp | 4 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 191 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Mara Josi | Unit coordinator |