University of Technology Sydney

97801 Italian Language and Culture 1

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Languages
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Description

This subject is designed to provide students who have no prior knowledge of the Italian language with basic reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. It corresponds to Level A1 (basic user) of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. The subject also facilitates an understanding of and engagement with the sociocultural contexts in which the Italian language is used. Students develop intercultural understanding and engagement, by recognising, exploring, interpreting and moving between the languages and practices of two or more cultures. Students take an active part in collaborative learning activities to practice and consolidate their language skills.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Comprehend and respond to simple texts in oral and written language.
b. Produce simple texts in oral and written language.
c. Demonstrate intercultural awareness across two or more cultural contexts.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

  • Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately in an additional language for everyday and professional purposes. (INT.3.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject uses a communicative approach to maximise students’ potential for effective communication in the target language. A series of activities, including presentations and interactive activities where students work in pairs and small or large groups, are promoted to enhance students’ engagement through content-based learning. Students are required to complete exercises and reading/listening/viewing activities prior to each session to make effective use of the resources and subject materials (including online resources and community and peer resources) available to them to support their learning.

Students are encouraged to customise their learning experience to promote their engagement with Italian-speaking peoples and societies. This entails keeping in mind their goals for the use of Italian (for instance: studying abroad; travelling in a particular country or region) and tailoring their practice and learning to maximise exposure to local variants of the language, relevant cultural norms, and authentic materials from the area.

As part of an immersive approach to language education, students are encouraged to use the target language within the sessions and to build their confidence in using the target language. The approximate time commitment expected from students is 12 hours per week, including session time.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Writing Tasks

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Depth of reflection and intercultural engagement 30 a, b INT.3.1
Coherence of organisation, clarity of expression 25 c INT.3.2
Variety, range and accuracy of vocabulary and structures 20 c INT.3.2
Reflection on the use of language 25 b, c INT.3.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Oral Production

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 35%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Activity 1: Relevance and organisation of response 15 a, b INT.3.2
Depth of intercultural engagement 10 c INT.3.1
Effectiveness in the use of language (grammar, vocabulary) 15 b INT.3.2
Pronunciation (intonation, stress) 5 b INT.3.2
Fluency 5 b INT.3.2
Activity 2: Relevance of interactions and responses 15 b, c INT.3.2
Depth of intercultural engagement 10 c INT.3.1
Effectiveness in the use of language (grammar, vocabulary) 15 b INT.3.2
Pronunciation 5 b INT.3.2
Fluency 5 b INT.3.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Test

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 35%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Accuracy of answers to listening 25 a INT.3.2
Accuracy of answers to reading 25 a INT.3.2
Structure and presentation of writing 20 b INT.3.2
Use of language (grammar, vocabulary) in writing 20 b INT.3.2
Depth of intercultural engagement in writing 10 c INT.3.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Attendance at tutorials is essential in this subject. Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential work-shopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor. A roll will be taken at each class. If you are late to class and not present when the roll is taken, it is your responsibility to tell your tutor at the end of that class so that your attendance can be recorded. Please note that if you are more than 30 minutes late, you will be noted as absent. Students must attend at least 85% of their classes. Students who fail to do so will be refused the opportunity to take or submit their final assessment (see Rule 3.8). In order to pass this subject, students must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more.

Required texts

  • Gruppo Italiaidea. (2021-2022). New Italian Espresso A1-A2. Updated edition. Textbook and Workbook Alma Edizioni.

The textbook+ebook (ISBN 9788861827240) and workbook (ISBN 9788861827288) can be ordered online from Intext Language International Bookshop https://www.languageint.com.au/

The website is holding a book + eBook edition for the textbook (https://www.languageint.com.au/product/20620) and paper only workbook (https://www.languageint.com.au/product/20624). You can receive free postage from Intext Language International Bookshop using the code UTS-LOD at checkout.

Please also note that on the Alma edizioni website both Textbook and Workbook are available for purchase in ebook only format (TB: ebook interattivo Ean: 9788861827080; WB ebook interattivo Ean: 9788861827301). https://www.almaedizioni.it/en/catalogue/scheda/new-italian-espresso-beginnerpreinterm-updated-tb/

It is up to you which edition you choose to purchase (book+ebook or ebook only).

Recommended texts

Nocchi, S. (2015). New Italian Grammar in Practice: Exercises, Tests, Games. Firenze: Alma Edizioni.

References

Dictionary

  • Cannella M., & Lazzarini B. (eds). (2016). Lo Zingarelli 2017. Vocabolario della lingua italiana. Zanichelli.
  • WordReference.com

Other resources

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
A considerable amount of class time is devoted to practicing using the language in a variety of real or simulated situations using authentic materials wherever possible. In order to maintain and consolidate those skills, students need to practice the language regularly with Italian-speaking friends or colleagues.

Students are also encouraged to engage with aspects of Italian language and culture through radio and television programs (SBS and RETE ITALIA). SBS Television transmits the Italian daily news on SBS1 at 7.35 and on SBS2 at 12.40; SBS Radio 97.7 FM: Monday-Sunday 8-10 am; RETE ITALIA Radio: 1539 AM Monday-Sunday 24 hours. The Italian Institute of Culture (IIC) organises conferences and concerts as well as sponsoring cultural events in Sydney. The Institute has a library including an extensive collection, which is accessible to members. For information on membership and activities contact the Institute (IIC, Level 4, 125 York St, Sydney). In the month of October Palace Cinemas hosts the Lavazza Italian Film Festival showing a number of contemporary and some classic Italian movies subtitled in English.

UTS Library
The UTS library holds a variety of Italian Language and Culture-related resources available for loan or in Closed Reserve. Students can access these from the catalogue using, for instance, 'Italian language' as the keywords. The course number can also be used to identify resources in Closed Reserve. At the beginning of the semester the lecturer will provide a list of relevant materials for independent learning available in the library or online and throughout the semester guidance will be offered in the selection and use of such materials, such as movies, easy readers and audio books for different levels. If you wish to access library resources from outside of UTS, you should read the information available at: https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/help/support-students/regional-remote-students. You will need a username and password to access library resources (such as databases etc.) from outside of UTS. This will be the username and password of your UTS email account (not your UTSOnline account, which uses your student number). If you haven't yet activated your UTS email account, please go to https://email.itd.uts.edu.au/email/. If you have trouble activating your UTS email account, please visit one of the IT Support Centre counters at UTS, ring the ITD helpdesk on 9514 2222, or email them at itsc@uts.edu.au.

Instructions on how to set up your computer to access the library's resources can be found at: https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/help/support-students/students-campus. The library web site also offers some online tutorials to help you to develop your Information skills: https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/guides. Details of library locations and hours are available on the Library's home page: https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/.


UTSOnline and Canvas

All students who have been enrolled in a subject at UTS have access to UTSOnline (https://online.uts.edu.au/), which is where you will be able to access Canvas from (https://canvas.uts.edu.au/). However, to gain this access you will need to activate your UTS email account. Once you have an activated UTS email account, you can log in to both UTSOnline and Canvas by entering your Username and Password. Your username is your student ID (i.e. the 8-digit number on your student card). Your password is the same as your UTS email password. Finally, click the 'Login' button. Note: Not all UTS subjects make use of UTSOnline or of Canvas, and hence your list of subjects in UTSOnline and/or Canvas should not be used as an indicator of your true UTS enrolment. To find out more about UTSOnline access the following site: https://help.online.uts.edu.au/information-for-all-users/for-students/, and for more information about accessing and using Canvas, go to the following site: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/managing-your-course/using-uts-systems/software-available-students/canvas.

On Canvas you will find extra materials and online activities, as well as links to useful websites and music. You will also be able to access the Discussion Board where you can share doubts and information with other students.

ASSIGNMENT WRITING, ORAL PRESENTATION, ACADEMIC ENGLISH
UTS: HELPS offers language and study skills support: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/helps.

COMPUTER LOGINS, PASSWORDS AND COMPUTER LABS
Contact the ITD (Information Technology Division) help desk if you are having difficulty logging on to the UTS Website, your UTS email or UTSOnline. You can access Service Connect (https://uts.service-now.com/serviceconnect/) or phone (02) 9514 2222.

ORGANISING YOUR STUDY, MOTIVATING AND MANAGING YOURSELF
Contact Student Services: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support.