Culture and Language Class: Italian at an Intermediate Level

elective courses

The study of the Italian language starts from level A2.

Intensive Italian language course – B1-B2 level (according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages - CEFR). This culture and language class has an innovative structure, which allows students to learn about Italian culture, history, and politics in Italian.

First semester: during the classes, the students will discuss grammar and lexical issues, and practice their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, up to level B1. Grammar issues will be introduced and developed through practical exercises and translations of sentences and short texts, containing familiar grammatical structures. The vocabulary is broken down into thematic blocks. Listening skills are practiced on the basis of original recordings or statements presented by the lecturer. The understanding of contents is checked through tasks related to the text. Writing skills are developed by analyzing texts in Italian and attempting to create one’s own written statements. During the classes, the students will practice their ability to create spoken statements about topics introduced within a framework of selected thematic blocks.

Second semester: during the classes, the students will discuss grammar and lexical issues, and practice their listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, up to level B2. There are two main goals set for this course: firstly, it aims to broaden the student’s knowledge of grammar and lexical structures so to enable them to handle most communicative situations and engage in spontaneous conversations with a native speaker. Secondly, it aims to provide the student with a variety of texts dedicated to the culture of contemporary Italy. The material presented during the classes will mainly consist of articles from the Italian press, literary excerpts and short stories, videos, advertisement, etc.

The course is conducted on the basis of texts prepared by the lecturer specifically to enable the students to master grammatical structures and basic vocabulary as quickly as possible, together with the knowledge of Italian culture. In addition, material from the textbooks selected by the lecturer will be used.

T. Marin, Nuovissimo Progetto Italiano 2

D. Piotti, G. de Savorgnani, E. Carrara, Universitalia 2.0

M. Dardano, P. Trifone, Grammatica italiana con nozioni di linguistica

C. Ruscello, Un segreto in fondo al mare

L. Cini, Strategie di scrittura

G. Pagani, Issimo – Quaderno di scrittura

M. Angelino, E. Ballarin, L’italiano attraverso la storia dell’arte

P. E. Balboni, M. Cardona, Storia e testi di letteratura italiana per stranieri

Knowledge: the graduate

- has a structured, advanced knowledge of the Italian culture and Italian language at B2 level (K_W01, K_W03, K_W10)

- knows and understands a wide range of difficult and different texts (scientific, literary, …) (K_W11)

- knows and understands the main themes of speeches on concrete and abstract topics, including understanding discussions on technical subjects (literature, science, social issues) (K_W03, K_W10, K_W11).

Abilities: the graduate is able to

- use Italian language at B2 level (K_U09)

- write texts such as: letters, CVs, journal entries, reviews, short stories, articles in Italian (K_U06, K_U09, K_U10)

- express thoughts and tell about experiences and events, including own feelings and impressions

(K_U06, K_U09, K_U10)

- create spoken statements about topics introduced within a framework of selected thematic blocks (K_U06, K_U09, K_U10)

Social competences: the graduate is ready to

- carry out the work plan of is contribution to a class, according to the teacher’s guidelines (K_K01, K_K04)

- improve his personal culture (K_K01)

Continuous evaluation (based on the activity during the course and preparation for the classes), final test (written and oral). Four absences are allowed – if absences exceed, the student will have to make up for them individually (extra work to be discussed with the lecturer). Seven or more absences result in failing classes and the necessity to repeat them.

Methods and rules for passing the course: tests during the years, final test (written and oral).