73967 - Italian as a Second Language (2 SEM)

Learning outcomes

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

Course contents

“Italian as a Second Language” is a course which takes place every semester. It is held in both semesters of the academic year with the same programme, to allow foreign students that are in Italy on exchange projects  to attend it. The overall objective is to encourage learners to acquire a language level B2. It requires, therefore, an initial B1 level of language proficiency.
The course will be divided as follows:
• two weekly meetings held by Anna Zingaro.
• a weekly meeting held by Nadia Pagani (lettorato)

 

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

Topics
Universities, language curriculum, news and past events, family and social roles, immigration, emotions and feelings: talking about you/ if I were you, travelling in Italy, media, art, museums and culture.

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 , widening of relative pronouns and indefinite pronouns and adjectives
- Impersonal forms and passive
- Compound future
- Use of the subjunctive, particularly in subordinate clauses, time selection of the subjunctive
- Use of the past conditional
- Hypothetical constructions
- Gerund
- Indirect speech
- Connectors

Readings/Bibliography

Manual used in the course (required):

C. Ghezzi, M. Piantoni, R. Bozzone Costa, Contatto: corso di italiano per stranieri 2B: livello post-intermedio (B2) : manuale + esercizi + 1 CD audio, Torino: Loescher, 2009.

Other recommended books:

F. Gatta, R. Pugliese, Manuale di scrittura, BUP: Bologna, 2006.

A. Latino, M. Muscolino, Una grammatica italiana per tutti 2 Livello intermedio (B1-B2): regole d'uso, esercizi e chiavi per studenti stranieri, Roma; Atene: Edilingua, 2006.

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

S. Nocchi, R. Tartaglione, Grammatica avanzata della lingua italiana : con esercizi, Firenze: Alma Edizioni, 2006.

Teaching methods

Reading comprehension
Writing texts
Use of authentic materials (print, audio and video, in particular Italian songs and movies) for didactic purposes;
Group and pair work
Oral presentation

Assessment methods

1. Written exam: reading comprehension, writing and lexico-grammar exercises;
   
2. Oral exam: debating a topic in pairs.
   Please note: students will pass the written exam before sitting for the oral exam. Further information will be given during the course.

Teaching tools

Textbooks, grammar books, materials provided by the teacher, CD ROM, movies

Office hours

See the website of Anna Zingaro