Italian: Beginners course II

After completion of the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to listen, read and understand, speak and write on everyday topics in a number of communicative situations that are regularly encountered in work, education, free time, etc.
• demonstrate knowledge of basic elements of Italian grammar and the ability to apply them
• communicate in oral and written Italian on simple, everyday situations using a basic vocabulary consisting of high frequency words and expressions
• discuss the content of simple medium-length texts with general and simple literary content and engage in evaluative thinking
• demonstrate an understand of the main message of authentic spoken Italian onfamiliar topics
• write coherent texts about themselves or familiar topics which also include describing past experiences and impressions
• handle unexpected situations by using a series of communicative strategies such as asking for repetition and clarification, identifying key words, using previous knowledge, contextual or other clues to interpret the main meaning of texts or conversations
• argue orally and in writing, and express their opinions and views on a topical subject
• demonstrate basic knowledge of Italian society, culture and literature.

Modules

The course involves intensive study and includes two modules with similar content but with an increased demand for language proficiency. The course includes pronunciation, listening comprehension, oral and writen interaction, grammar and text reading, and translation. These modules are strongly integrated with one another. The course also includes a basic introduction to Italian culture and society.

Modules

This module includes a general overview of Italian grammar through exercises applying this knowledge and free writing. It also includes different listening comprehension and pronunciation exercises and work with vocabulary and communication training in connection with text reading. The module also includes an introduction to the study of texts by reading a simplified short novel/story and simple texts on Italian literature and society. The module has a final written examination.

The second module includes a continued systematic study of Italian grammar structures through exercises applying this knowledge and free writing. Also there are exerciese in understanding real spoken Italian, training in pronunciation and communication, and vocabulary work. The introduction to Italian culture and society is continued through the reading of an adapted novel and extracts from easy non-fiction texts. The module has a final written examination.

Examination takes place through continuous oral and written assessment. There is a final written examination for each module.

Teaching and learning takes place through an on-line platform. It is required that students have access to a computer with sound and an internet connection. Headset, microphone and a stand-alone web-cam are required as well.

All seminars are compulsory and take place in whole- and half-group sessions where students are expected to participate actively. The oral and written, individual or group, homework and assignments are an important part of the course and they are compulsory as well.

The teaching languages are English/Swedish and Italian.

The Swedish grades U–VG.

The course is a continuation of Italian: Beginner Course I, 15 cr.