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Italian First Level Modules

At First level Italian has two pathways: one for complete beginners, one for students with some prior qualification such as a Scottish Higher or A-Level. The course for beginners is an intensive language-learning experience. The Post Higher/A-Level programme is made up of a language course, consolidating and developing students' already existing knowledge, and separate literature courses on subjects such as Italian short stories, Renaissance books of manners, and literature during fascism.

Please be aware that module details are only correct for the current academic session and may change from one year to the next.

Click on module code to skip directly to information below:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Please note that individual courses of study have to be approved by the relevant Faculty and your choice of modules may be restricted by the regulations. If in doubt, please ask for advice.

20 Credits

IT1001 Introduction to Italian Language

This module is the normal entry point which leads eventually to Honours Italian for beginners in Italian. It is designed for students with no prior experience of Italian and does not assume any knowledge of the language. The course is intensive and proceeds quickly. It concentrates on grammar and usage through reading, writing, listening and speaking. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) materials are also used both for dedicated class sessions and for formative and summative assessments.

Availability: All
Semester: 1
Time: Language classes are arranged at different times - with groups normally meeting at 10.00 am or 11.00 am, or 12 noon Tuesday - Friday.
Teaching method: 1 CALL and 3 language classes.
Prerequisites: None
Antirequsites: Higher Italian or its equivalent.
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 2-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 3-hour Examination = 100%
Short loan supplementary reading list
20 Credits

IT1002 Italian Language (Elementary)

The module is intended to build on Module IT1001 and continues its basic aims by increasing the students' knowledge of and ability to use Italian. In this module one hour per week is dedicated to oral practice.

Availability: All
Semester: 2
Time: Classes are arranged at different times - with groups normally meeting at 10.00 am or 11.00 am, or 12 noon Monday - Friday
Teaching method: 1 weekly oral class and 3 weekly language classes.
Prerequisites: IT1001 or Higher Italian or its equivalent.
Antirequsites: None
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 2-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 3-hour Examination = 100%
10 Credits

IT1003 Italian Language Intermediate 1

This module and its co-requisite provide a thorough and consistently structured revision of grammar and a consolidation of speaking, reading, writing skills through formal grammar classes, practical oral language classes.

Availability: All
Semester: 1
Time: 12.00 noon Wednesday, remaining two classes to be arranged
Teaching method: 3 classes.
Prerequisites: A-Level or Higher Italian. A pass mark in an additional, departmental entrance test would allow access also to students with a slightly lower qualification (e.g. GCSE, etc.)
Antirequsites: None
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 2-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 3-hour Examination = 100%
10 Credits

IT1004 Italian Language Intermediate 2

Building on IT1003, this module and its co-requisite provide a thorough revision of grammar and a consolidation of speaking, reading and writing skills through formal grammar classes, practical oral language classes.

Availability: All
Semester: 2
Time: 12 noon Wednesday, remaining two classes to be arranged
Teaching method: 3 classes.
Prerequisites: IT1003
Antirequsites: None
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 2-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 3-hour Examination = 100%
10 Credits

IT1005 Contemporary Italian Short Stories

This module focuses on selected contemporary Italian narrative examined from a literary, social and historical perspective.

Availability: Not available 2011-12
Semester: 1
Time: To be arranged.
Teaching method: 1 x 2-hour seminar.
Prerequisites: None
Antirequsites: None
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 1-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 2-hour Examination = 100%
10 Credits

IT1007 Poverty & Politics in Fascist Italy

This module will examine two influential Italian novels dealing with issues of politics and poverty against the backdrop of fascism. The novels Il carcere and Paesi tuoi by Cesare Pavese and the film Ossessione by Luchino Visconti all address these issues through different literary and cinematic narrative approaches and perspectives. This module will consider both the differences and the similarities between these works.

Availability: 2011-12
Semester: 1
Time: To be arranged
Teaching method: 2 classes.
Prerequisites: None
Antirequsites: None
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 1-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 2-hour Examination = 100%
10 Credits

IT1008 The Italian Short Story from the Thirteenth to the Twentieth Century

The short story form, racconto or novella, has a long tradition in Italian literature, and this module will examine a collection of examples ranging from its origins to the last century, drawn from a range of authors including major figures such as Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Verga, Pirandello and others.

Availability: 2011-12
Semester: 2
Time: To be arranged.
Teaching method: 2 classes.
Prerequisites: None
Antirequsites: None
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 1-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 2-hour Examination = 100%
Short loan supplementary reading list
10 Credits

IT1012 The Culture of Unified Italy

This module examines the dynamics that led to the Unification of Italy and the differences between the North and South of Italy and between social classes. This is done through the study of a selection of representative texts from the period in a variety of genres, such as Verdi's operas and the Marchesa Colombi's Gente per bene.

Availability: Not available 2011-12
Semester: 2
Time: To be arranged
Teaching method: Lectures, seminars and occasional practical classes and film viewing.
Prerequisites:
Antirequsites:
Assessment: Continuous Assessment = 40%, 1-hour Examination = 60%
Reassessment: 2-hour Examination = 100%