Module Information

This module consists of THREE weekly classes (see 1, 2 and 3 below), and one fortnightly class (see 4 below). The module is "thin", that is, it will only be examined at the end of the second semester. There will be no formal examination at the end of the first semester in either the written language or in oral/aural work. Assessed work completed during both semesters will go towards the mark for the module.

• The first weekly hour will be chiefly devoted to reading and writing Italian. The aim is to consolidate skills developed in Levels 1 and 2, to understand and manipulate Italian with increasing fluency and confidence in class work which will focus on textual analysis, essay-writing, report-writing and precis techniques.

• During the second weekly hour a number of assessed exercises will be carried out. These will include: oral, presentations of prepared topics; responses to topical media information; formal tests under examination conditions; essay writing; set exercises which will be marked and discussed in class, etc.

• The third weekly hour is a conversation class with a native-speaker. You will be expected to prepare material for these classes and your success in them depends very much on your active participation.

• The fortnightly hour will be devoted to translation from and into Italian. The register of the texts chosen will tend to be modern literary. The constraints imposed by this type of exercise mean that this exercise is perhaps the most rigorous and demanding test of your capacity to manipulate Italian, and one of the better ways to highlight and explore, at an advanced level, the grammatical and structural complexities of the language.

The set written work must be handed in by the deadlines stipulated: your tutor, like you, works to a demanding timetable and will not be able to accommodate late submission of work. Marks for assessed work will go towards your degree result, so that failure to hand in work as required (and/or to attend classes where assessment takes place) will rapidly reduce your overall marks on the module. It is your responsibility to attend (should you for any reason miss them); it is your responsibility to catch up any missed work.

Continuous assessment for this module will take the form (for the predominantly 'written' component) of a variety of exercises, 12 of which will count. Many of these assignments will be carried out in or directly arising from class work such as: unseen translations; report-writing; responses to topical news items (in broadcast, print or internet media), group presentations, etc. There will be some assignments (i.e. essay-writing and prose/translation) to be completed at home in the traditional manner, or within a limited time (akin to 'take-away' examinations). This element of the continuous assessment will make up to 30% of the total module mark. The continuous component of the module plays a substantial role in determining the final mark and non-submission of assignments (or non-attendance of classes where you are assessed) will rapidly have an impact on your marks.

Listening comprehension will be practised regularly during the year, and will be assessed by tests which will contribute 20% of the total module marks. You are expected and strongly advised to practise listening comprehension in your own time (e.g. in the Language Resource Centre). The continuous component of the module plays a substantial role in determining the final mark and non-submission of assignments (or non-attendance of classes where you are assessed) will rapidly have an impact on your marks.

Dictionaries - You will need as a minimum (if you do not already have one) a good, one-volume bilingual dictionary and a one-volume monolingual (Italian-Italian) dictionary.