83995 - Italian Language L2 (Second Term)

Learning outcomes

The student can:

• understand texts of some complexity on both concrete and abstract topics as well as extended speech
  
• communicate with sufficient fluency and spontaneity to interact naturally with native speakers and express him/herself clearly and articulately on a wide range of topics of interest
• present a topic in an organized manner, using main textual connectors appropriately and write clear, articulate texts on a wide range of topics of interest.

Course contents

The Italian as a Second Language (L2) course lasts one semester and will focus primarily on grammar topics at the B1 and B2 levels, with some review of the A2 level and a flexible adaptation of the curriculum to the participants’ proficiency levels.

All participants—especially those who lack the necessary basic skills—will have the opportunity to participate in additional remedial activities through tutoring (more information will be provided by the instructor).

The course will be divided as follows:
• two weekly meetings held by Anna Zingaro.
• a weekly meeting held by Teresa Quarta (lettorato)

The following (general) schedule is subject to changes according to the linguistic needs of the students.

Topics
Language curriculum, news and past events, family and social roles, opinions and feelings, travelling in Italy (differences among the Italian regions, stereotypes, gastronomy.

Grammar content
- Revision of the opposition passato prossimo vs. imperfetto
- Revision of the present and past subjunctive
- Revision of the present conditional
- Revision of the direct and indirect pronouns, ci, ne, combined pronouns
- Use of the subjunctive, particularly in subordinate clauses, time selection of the subjunctive
- Use of the past conditional
- Hypothetical constructions
- Connectors

Abilities

The student can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. The student can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. The student can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.

The student can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. The student can understand contemporary literary prose.

The student can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. The student can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining his/her views.

The student can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest. The student can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

The student can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to his/her interests. The student can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. The student can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

Readings/Bibliography

Texts used in the course (required):

1. LINGUA ITALIANA L2- modulo introduttivo al corso B2
2. LINGUA ITALIANA L2- corso B2

Both available at copy shop Carta Carbone (via Oberdan, 5- Forlì)

Other recommended books:

A. Latino, M. Muscolino, Una grammatica italiana per tutti 2 (edizione aggiornata) Livello intermedio (B1-B2): regole d'uso, esercizi e chiavi per studenti stranieri, Roma; Atene: Edilingua, 2014.

S. Nocchi, Nuova grammatica pratica della lingua italiana: esercizi - test – giochi, Firenze: Alma Edizioni, 2011.

Teaching methods

Lessons held by Anna Zingaro:

the teacher’s approach aims to create a welcoming, stimulating, and fun atmosphere where everyone feels free to share stories and opinions, and that fosters cooperation among a class of students with different skill levels. The activities mainly include:

• using songs and videos in the classroom to introduce grammatical and cultural topics
• grammar games
• group work/pair work
• -video screenings

Lettorato: oral production exercises and interaction

Assessment methods

Assessment includes a written and an oral test, on which information will be provided in class. It is strictly forbidden to use AI during the exam. Any violation of this rule will be considered a serious breach of academic ethics.

1. Written test (text comprehension and written production) it will be held during the last class of the course. Duration: 2 hours. 
2. Oral exam: debate in pairs on a previously given topic. Duration: approximately 15 minutes. Students must have passed the written test in order to access the oral exam. For the written test, the use of the dictionary is not allowed.
   

Grading scale

• 30-30L: Excellent level. The candidate possesses excellent translation skills, with a very high level of competence in the target language.
• 27-29: Above average level. The candidate makes only minor errors, and shows a solid command of the required skills and competences.
• 24–26: Generally sound level. The candidate displays a number of shortcomings, indicating a reasonable command of the required skills and competences.
• 21-23: Adequate level. The candidate displays significant shortcomings and only an adequate command of the required skills and competences.
• 18–20: Minimum level. The candidate only meets the minimum level required and shows a minimal command of the required skills and competences.
• < 18 Fail: The candidate does not meet the required standard and shows a wholly inadequate command of the required skills and competences.
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Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact the University service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Teaching tools

Textbooks, grammars, written and oral materials provided by the teacher.

Use of resources on the Moodle e-learning platform of the university https://moodle.dipintra.it/?lang=it with a page dedicated to the course. The login password to the course Lingua Italiana L2 will be provided during the first lesson.

Use of the webapp forliviamo [https://forliviamo.it/], dedicated to daily life in Forlì and its surroundings.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Zingaro