Main themes

Reading skills:
The student can understand texts that consist mainly of high-frequency everyday language. He/she can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. He/she can also read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
Level B2, Common European Framework of Reference

Listening skills:
The student can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters (job, school, leisure etc.) He/she can understand the main points of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. He/she can understand extended speech and lectures and follow complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. He/she can also understand films (the whole or part of it) in the standard language.
Level B1+, Common European Framework of Reference

Speaking skills:
- Spoken production:
The student can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his/her fields of interest. He/she can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. He/she can describe the plot of a book or a film and give his/her opinions.
- Spoken interaction
The student can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. He/she can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining his/her views.
Level B2, Common European Framework of Reference

Writing skills:
The student can write a simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. He/she can write personal letters describing experiences, impressions and opinions. He/she can write a short essay giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
Level B1+, Common European Framework of Reference

Civilization:
Original material is regularly used during class activities in order to bring the student in touch with the most recent issues related to the country and with its present and past civilization.

Content and teaching methods

Code: ITAL 1300 - Intermediate level

Rhythm: a 90-hour course taught for 3 hours a week during the whole year

Public:
the course is intended for all UCL students whose faculty program allows choosing it. The course is also accessible to all other UCL students outside their study program and to UCL staff members.

Credits (ECTS): the number of credits depends on the different faculty programs.

Requirements:
Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Objectives:
level B2 of CEFR for reading and speaking skills
level B1+ of the CEFR for listening and writing skills

Method and content:
-Grammar and Listening comprehension exercises in the language lab
- Reading comprehension activities
- Activities to develop spoken skills, both individual and interactive
- Activities to develop writing skills (less frequent).

Assessment: Written and oral exam in May/June or September. Continuous assessment.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Rhythm: a 90-hour course taught for 3 hours a week during the whole year

Duration: the whole year

Credits (ECTS): the number of credits depends on the different faculty programs.

Final Level: 1st cycle course - B2 Level of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Teacher: Scarpa Laura

Language: Italian/French

In the first weeks of the course many important structures and functions of the language are soundly revised in the context of communicative activities. Subsequently, more complex structures and functions are presented (such as the expression of personal opinions and wishes). The most common activities are: exercises in the language lab, listening comprehension activities, drills, conversation in pairs or small groups, simple role plays etc.

Requirements:
A level A2 of competence is required, following the scale of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Workload:
In the class: 90 hrs
At home: +/- 100 hrs

Assessment:
- Written and oral exam at the end of the academic year (first session in May/June- second session in September).
- Presentation on a subject related to the Italian language and/or culture, chosen by the student him/herself
- Continuous assessment based on the student's participation in class activities.

All students are asked to take their final exam.
"Non facultaires" students and university staff members can get a certificate of ILV-UCL that specifies they have attained the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Erasmus students leaving for Italy in the 2nd semester of the academic year will take their exam when they are back, following the usual academic calendar (first session in May/June, second session in September).

Didactic materials:
Course book + audiocassette
Course notes from the teacher.
For more details, please contact the teacher.

Programmes in which this activity is taught

Other credits in programs