Module Directory

This module is open to any final year students who have completed the Essex module progression and the period abroad. It is designed to hone and refine skills and knowledge acquired during the entire cycle of study. The intended learning outcomes reflect the purpose of guiding students towards a comfortable level of competence in the language as well as helping them develop an awareness of Italian history and culture. The classes are organised around the topics of the textbook Nuovo Magari C1/C2, two set books (Ho visto… and Timira, see following sections and reading list) and material provided by Daniela. There will be two weekly sessions.

The aims of this module are:

• To achieve proficiency equivalent to level C1/C2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in speaking, writing, reading and listening.


• To provide students with the the opportunity to practise and expand transferable skills such as intercultural awareness and language mediation skills, communication and presentation skills, independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, reflective skills, problem-solving, team-working, disciplined time-management, research skills and use of electronic media.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to write and converse to near-native standard, using vocabulary, register and formulaic sentences appropriately.


2. Demonstrate the ability to report and summarise for the purpose of discussing and analysing.


3. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate understanding between languages and cultures (mediation).


4. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, critically research topics and report findings to the class.


5. Demonstrate awareness of some aspects of Italian culture and enduring traditions [aspects of Italian history from WWI and post-colonial issues such as the Italian legacy in Eritrea and the Somali diaspora as well as history and contemporary features of the language].


6. Demonstrate the ability to analyse the content of the set books (Parisi, F Ho visto persone attraversare le Ande, Carlo Delfino Editore and Wu Ming 2 & Mohamed, A, Timira, romanzo meticcio, Einaudi).

Some content-based classes will be organised around pre-recorded material.

Alongside weekly advanced language classes, we will work on a general overview of post WWI crises (the rise of fascism, post-war economic growth, political terrorism and Tangentopoli) and features of contemporary language (slang, dialects and bureaucratic language). In the second term we will explore post-colonial issues (the Italian legacy in Eritrea and the Somali diaspora) and some aspects of the history of the Italian language. All the events above will require strictly regular attendance and commitment to be successful. All the extra material and the recordings will be uploaded on the LA660 Moodle page but working on a copy of the textbook, Nuovo Magari C1/C2, is essential. Students are asked to read Ho visto persone attraversare le Ande in the Autumn term and Timira during the second term. The latter is the focus of the VIVA discussion (oral exam), when students will be asked to comment on what they have read.