School of Modern Languages Success in 2025 Golden Dandelion Awards
Dr Laura Albertini of the School of Modern Languages' Department of Italian was presented with the 2025 Golden Dandelion Prize at a ceremony recently.
Laura was won the 2025 for the module IT3001 Italian Language 1 which she coordinates. The module was judged to be an excellent example of critical eco-pedagogy, where students are encouraged to discuss current sustainability issues in Italy, enhancing their capacity to express complex concepts in the language of Italian, and deepen understanding of culture, while stimulating action on the issues explored.
The Principal presented Laura with the Prize in front of the tree planted by the Prince of Wales in St Salvators Quad, with members of the judging committee present.
Open to colleagues who teach from across the University, the Golden Dandelion Award is presented to modules which demonstrate creativity and innovation, sustainability capacities, competencies development and skills, inter or transdisciplinary engagement, and successfully engage students with real world examples in impacts on sustainability. Awards are judged by a sub-committee panel of the Sustainability in the Curriculum Committee, with the best submission awarded the prestigious Golden Dandelion Prize.
Italian at St Andrews
Research expertise in the Department of Italian covers themes including second language acquisition, Italian literature from the 13th to the 21st centuries, environmental humanities, colonial and post-colonial Italy, and contemporary transnational and diaspora Italian identities and culture.
The Department's pedagogical approach prioritises meaningful communication, integrates all linguistic competencies, and encourages students to take an active role in exploring Italian themes through guided research. Innovative module design further supports creative and culturally informed forms of assessment.