BA Italian Studies / Course details

This course unit is aimed at students who have normally spent a substantial period of residence in Italy. Through an integrated programme of advanced language work involving composition, analysis of literary texts, translation, oral practice and the study of key grammatical elements and structures alongside the study of key literary figures and movements, the course is intended to consolidate and deepen understanding of the Italian language with a strong cultural focus on contemporary Italian life. By the end of the course, students are expected to achieve an advanced command and awareness of the Italian language, culture, and society.

Pre-requisites: ITAL51040 (ITALIAN LANGUAGE 4), ITAL51050 (ITALIAN LANGUAGE 5), or equivalent competency in the language 

• to deepen and refine grammatical knowledge of Italian;
• to develop the student’s capacity for self-expression in Italian;
  to provide an introduction to professional skills in translating from Italian into English;
• to translate accurately into English passages of an appropriate level of difficulty, involving English usage of various kinds;
• to develop an awareness and understanding of the styles of some contemporary Italian writers;
• to develop an understanding of the major literary movements of the 20th and 21st centuries;
• to express themselves fully and coherently in writing on substantial topics of current concern;
• to use and understand a number of advanced aspects of the Italian language;
• to prepare and deliver in Italian an oral presentation on such a topic;
• to reflect on the activity of translating and apply in their own translation work the principles involved

By the end of this course students will be able to :

• perform at Level C1/C2 of the Common European Framework (CEFR)
• demonstrate competence in the use of advanced aspects of Italian grammar
• reflect on, and re-elaborate, complex texts in Italian
• express coherent ideas and arguments in spoken and written Italian at an advanced level
• use spoken Italian to discuss a variety of topics with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either parties involved

This course develops abilities to:

• Use advanced language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences
• Contextualise information from a variety of perspectives, sources and registers
• Extract and synthesise key information from written and spoken sources
• Organise and present ideas within the framework of a structured and reasoned argument
• Engage in critical and analytical thinking

These include:

• Use and present material in the target language in written and oral forms in a clear and effective manner at an advanced level
• Ability to manage own learning
• Use target language source materials appropriately
• Access electronic resources and use information and communication technologies (ICT) appropriately, including the Internet and  Blackboard

These include:

• Communication and presentation skills: oral, written and IT
• The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
• Mediating skills and qualities of empathy
• Self-reliance and adaptability
• Intercultural awareness
• Autonomy and independence
• Time management skills

Hervey, S., I. Higgins, S. Craigie and G. Gambarotta, Thinking Italian Translation: A Course in Translation Method, Italian to English, 2^nd edn (London: Routledge, 2015)

T. Oliver-Federici, Developing Writing Skills in Italian (Oxon: Routledge, 2009)

Lepschy, L., and G. Lepschy, The Italian Language Today (London: Routledge, 1994).

Maiden, M., and C. Robustelli, A Reference Grammar of Modern Italian (London: Arnold, 2007)

Nocchi, S., and R. Tartaglione, Grammatica avanzata della lingua italiana con esercizi (Florence: Alma, 2006)

Proudfoot, A., and F. Cardo, Modern Italian Grammar: a Practical Guide, 3^rd edn (London: Routledge, 2012)

Renzi, L., and G. Salvi (eds), Grande grammatica italiana di consultazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 1988)

In order to meet the learning outcomes students are required to engage in regular independent language learning devoting an average of 3 hours per week to work on the various language skills. 

Free Choice by approval of Programme Director and Language Tutor