Students

ITL 311 – Advanced Italian II

2018 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Emilio Lomonaco
emilio.lomonaco@mq.edu.au
Contact via emilio.lomonaco@mq.edu.au
AHH L2 North
Monday : 2-3 pm; Wednesday : 2-3 pm
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ITL310
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
In this unit students develop their ability to follow complex lines of argument in spoken and written texts in Italian in a range of genres and to identify and extract key information. The unit focuses on practicing skills in expressing and defending sophisticated arguments and opinions and employing strategies to understand and respond to unfamiliar material in preparation for applying language knowledge to social and professional situations. Students will use their judgement in decision-making around communicative tasks (written, oral, spontaneous and prepared) in meaningful everyday contexts.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

General Assessment Information

A portfolio of Language and Cross-Cultural Learning is distributed in the ongoing and oral assessments.

These are the components of the portfolio

  • Record of formal and informal language learning experiences
  • Reflective Diary of Intercultural encounters
  • Self assessment of current language abilities

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn.

Late Assessment Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Continuous assessment 50% No Ongoing
Class participation 10% No Ongoing
Oral assessment 10% No Week 13
Final exam 30% No Formal examination period

Continuous assessment

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 50%

  • 3 x Graded Assignments 20% (compiti con voto) 
  • 3 on-line quizzes - 20%
  • 3 x participation in VoiceThread web-blog 10%

* Please, for more information on the Graded Assignments and the compulsory VoiceThread check the Additional Information section.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Class participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

·         in-class speaking activities

·         initiating discussion

·         asking questions in Italian

·         interacting in Italian in class

.         completion of non-graded tasks

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Oral assessment

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

Oral assessment (prova orale) 

* Please, for more information on this exam check the Additional Information section
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Final exam

Due: Formal examination period
Weighting: 30%

-
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Delivery and Resources

Required texts

·         Balì, M. & L. Ziglio  Nuovo Espresso 3. Corso di italiano. Libro dello studente ed esercizi & CD Florence: Alma edizioni, 2015. ISBN 978-88-6182-339-6

·         Ziglio, Luciana. Espresso 3. Esercizi supplementari.. Florence: Alma edizioni, 2004. ISBN 88-89237-02-3

-        Germano, Joseph E. & Schmitt, Conrad J. (2014), Schaum's Outlines - Italian Grammar, McGraw-Hill Education

-         Students will be able to access Azione Grammatica (online version). Please see instructions on the iLearn page on how to find it  in the library.

Recommended texts

·         Monolingual dictionary: Zingarelli, Vocabolario della lingua italiana (copies in the library and Italian/French/Greek workroom) 

·         Bilingual dictionary: Collins English-Italian, Italian-English dictionary (copies in the library and Italian/French/Greek workroom)

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Online Unit

Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Is my unit in iLearn?: http://help.ilearn.mq.edu.au/unitsonline/ to check when your online unit will become available.

Technology

Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

For students attending classes on campus we strongly encourage that you bring along your own laptop computer, ready to work with activities in your online unit. The preferred operating system is Windows 10.

Students are required to access the online unit in iLearn by the end of Week 1 and follow any relevant instructions and links for downloads that may be required. If applicable, students are required to download the relevant language package prior to Week 2.

Please contact your course convenor before the end of Week 1 if you do not have a suitable laptop (or tablet) for in-class use.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Assessment tasks

  • Continuous assessment
  • Class participation
  • Oral assessment
  • Final exam

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Assessment tasks

  • Continuous assessment
  • Class participation
  • Oral assessment
  • Final exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Assessment tasks

  • Continuous assessment
  • Class participation
  • Oral assessment
  • Final exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Assessment tasks

  • Continuous assessment
  • Class participation
  • Oral assessment
  • Final exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Assessment tasks

  • Continuous assessment
  • Class participation
  • Oral assessment
  • Final exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Listening skills: Students will work towards understanding extended speech and follow even complex lines of argument even if the topic is not entirely familiar; to understand general spoken language at normal speech rate even if the accent is unfamiliar; to extract specific information and follow the significant points in an oral utterance; to understand relatively long radio talks and interviews; to understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
  • Reading skills: Students will work towards understanding a wide range of written texts, including longer, more complex factual texts, commentaries and reports; clearly identifying and extracting information from a wide range of sources, including statistical information. Students will have developed strategies to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context; to understand frequently used set expressions.
  • Speaking skills: Students will be able to express themselves spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes; produce an oral presentation in order to present argument for or against something; negotiate decision-making processes taken from an everyday life-context with a partner. They will be working towards expressing themselves spontaneously and fluently when stating their own opinions on increasingly complex subjects; formulating their thoughts and views precisely and making detailed contributions to a discussion.
  • Writing skills: Students will be able to write a clear, well-structured text, interpreting or expressing points of view at some length; write about increasingly complex subjects; write in a style appropriate to the reader in mind; express and justify opinions and give arguments supporting their point of view; explain and compare ideas presented to them in a text which presents familiar content to them; use appropriate devices to ensure the smooth flow of a piece of writing most of the time; produce a text with few grammatical mistakes that would substantially interfere with the reader’s understanding. Students will be working towards expressing themselves clearly and logically in essays on complex issues, choosing the right kind of expression to appeal to the reader.

Assessment tasks

  • Continuous assessment
  • Class participation
  • Oral assessment
  • Final exam

Additional Information

Unit requirements and expectations

Students are required to attend all four language classes and are expected to participate actively in all classes. The language of instruction will be Italian and students are expected to interact in the target language. The participation mark will reflect students’ commitment to practice the language and their commitment to completing the non-graded assignments (compiti senza voto) in self-study mode.

Students are expected to regularly access iLearn for extra revision and task completion. Those who do not have a computer at home can work in the University’s computer labs. It is expected that all External students use a computer, preferably with high-speed internet to facilitate access to the online resources.

Homework is to be completed on a continual basis. Language-learning is cumulative, and it is in students’ best interest to regularly complete homework tasks. In addition to the graded assignments (compito con voto), external students are expected to regularly complete the weekly compiti senza voto as outlined in the programme, using the answer keys provided.

Note: The tasks set from Azione grammatica may not always correspond exactly to the grammar learned in Nuovo Espresso 3. The tasks from Azione grammatica are intended to extend your understanding and usage of Italian grammar.

Written assignments are to be submitted via turnitin. Hand-written assignments will only be accepted by previous arrangement with the lecturer.

 
 

Attendance at all classes is required for on-campus students. This applies particularly to tests. You will only be permitted to make up for a missed test in exceptional circumstances such as illness (Medical certificate required). An adequate explanation for any classes missed must be given to your tutor. Ongoing work commitments are no valid reason for missing classes.If you miss a class it is your responsibility to contact a classmate for the details of the class in order to catch up on work missed and prepare for the next lesson.

Assignments are compulsory and must be handed in at the time specified. 

Preparation: Students are expected to prepare the course work to be covered in class in advance, as set out in programs or announced in class. It is expected that for every contact hour students will study and practice one hour on their own. For external students this means that you need to dedicate at least 8 hours per week to the study of Italian.

Punctuality: Please arrive on time for classes. Arriving late is very disruptive. All classes start five minutes past the hour. If you should arrive late, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed.

Examination Period:  Students enrolled in units that require them to sit for compulsory examina­tions (to be held during business hours) during the official examination period must not arrange to go away before the end of the exam period. Exams could be scheduled for Satur­days during that period. Do not expect that alternative examination arrangements can be made for you. The only exceptions to this are:

a)    members of the armed forces who must go away on duty;

b)   students representing Australia or the University in a national or international sporting or cultural event;

c)    students proceeding to a period of study in a foreign country, associated with their Macquarie program of study.

 

HOMEWORK AND ASSESSMENT OUTLINES ITL 311

NOT GRADED ASSIGNMENTS (COMPITI SENZA VOTO)

Each week external students will need to work through exercises from Nuovo Espresso 3 (textbook and Espresso esercizi supplementari) and/or from  Shaum' s  as indicated in the course program. The exercises must be prepared in self-study mode using the answer keys provided. Answer keys for the exercises in the textbook Nuovo Espresso 3 and the Esercizi supplementari are at the back of the book.

The exercises in Shaum' s and Azione grammatica (online) provide opportunities for general revision, while the exercises in Nuovo Espresso 3 are an expansion of the grammar studied in the main chapters of the book.

Remember that language learning is cumulative, therefore the more exercises you do, the faster you will learn!

Students’ commitment to completing these exercises will be reflected in the overall participation mark.

Ongoing assessment   (50%)

On-going assessment consists of 3 compiti con voto, 3 on-line quizzes and 3 responses to VoiceThread (web-blog).

Graded Assignments (Compiti con voto)

Download the assignment from iLearn and follow the instructions. Assignments must be typed and double-spaced. Make sure you add all accents. On campus and External students are to submit their assignments as Word attachments via Turnitin. On-campus students are to print out and hand in their assignments in class on the Wednesday of the week it is due.

Please do not hand in assignments late unless you have a doctor’s certificate.

DUE DATES: Graded Assignments (compiti con voto)

Compito 1:                   week 5 (Wednesday)

Compito 2:                   week 8 (Wednesday)

Compito 3:                  Wednesday 7 November - Reflective diary (10%) 

PAST: Describe in Italian a puzzling, interesting or otherwise striking event which has happened to you prior to this semester in contact with the language/culture you are studying, e.g. At home: family, friends, colleagues, classmates, online. Social/professional situations, Or abroad: e.g. work, holidays, exchange, residential intensive. (Approx. 200 words).

CURRENT: Briefly outline in Italian all cultural engagement arising from your study of the language and culture this semester, e.g. film, books, other media, fashion, cuisine, music, art and architecture. Comment briefly on the similarities/differences to Australian culture. (Approx. 300 words).

VoiceThread

On the homepage you will find a folder which contains a few ‘web-blogs’ on interesting topics relating to the chapters of the textbook and other experiences. You need to complete three VoiceThreads . Please notice, the following VoiceThread topic which require both oral and written production (Week 9) is compulsory:

  • Record of formal and informal language learning experiences (5%) The written part on a WORD document (max 200 words in total submitted via turnitin).

  • Please refer to the following instructions:

  • LANGUAGE BACKGROUND - Briefly state your family background, language of schooling, cultural environment growing up/in the past (e.g. exposure to other languages and cultures).

  • LANGUAGE STUDY - List your primary/secondary/tertiary/private providers(schools etc)/in-country programs. Include the duration of studies, levels/qualifications attained. Any external examinations/certificates. 

  • LANGUAGE USE AND CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT - List any informal experiences which have contributed to your language learning, including intercultural experiences (encounters with the country, culture and speakers of the language), and other activities which have contributed to a greater knowledge of the society and culture (art, music, literature, history, media etc). List significant occasions of your practical use of the language in specific situations (work, study, school, free time, with friends and acquaintances), and important pieces of work and projects your have completed in the target language.

     

To participate you will need to have access to a pair of headphones and high-speed internet. You need to listen to the voice recording prepared by the tutor and reply expressing your view on the subject matter by recording your own voice. Your voice recording needs to be accompanied by max 200 words in total submitted via turnitin).

For all other Voicetreads you are encouraged to begin a new discussion on a related topic to express your view. We encourage lively discussions!

You will receive feedback on your oral and written production. Your commitment to participating and initiating lively discussions and replying will be reflected in the overall mark.

Online quizzes

The online quizzes will be made available over certain dates. Within that time you will be allowed to sit the quiz once only. You will have a limited amount of time to finish once you have started the quiz, so make sure you revise well before attempting to open it. If you do not have a computer at home, organise to sit the quiz on campus. The quiz results will be sent directly to your tutor. There will be a preparation quiz for you to complete so you can become used to the system. This quiz will not count towards your assessment.

The quizzes will be open from 2pm Wednesday in the week that they are due, and will close 11pm Sunday of the same week. If you miss a quiz because you are sick, you must provide a doctor’s certificate. If you miss a quiz due to technical difficulties, you must email your tutor immediately. If you have limited internet connectivity at home, plan to sit your quiz on campus. Besides the weekend, you also have a full Monday and full Friday in which to sit your quiz. Please do not sit a quiz during class time, and do not miss a class in order to finish a written assignment. Your absence will not be justified.

Please remember that the University has very strict rules in cases of plagiarism, so do not sit a quiz together and do not ask for outside help with your written assignments. Any suspicions of plagiarism will be followed up.

 Due dates on-line quizzes

Quiz 1:             week 3

Quiz 2:             week 6

Quiz 3:             week 12

Oral assessment    (10%)                          week 13

The oral assessment will last 10 minutes and it will be in two parts.  The first part will be a general conversation between the student and the tutor during which the student will also give a self-evaluation of the level of proficiency reached ( Please, see the table below: Self Evaluation). 

In the second part the student will be asked to create hypothetical sentences (second and third type) based on scenarios given by the tutor. 

Self-evaluation: MY CURRENT PROFICIENCY IN THE TARGET LANGUAGE (5%)

Referring to  the descriptors in the table below, comment in Italian, on your current language level of proficiency in each of the skill areas: listening, reading, spoken interaction, spoken production, writing.

B1

B2

C1

C2

I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.   

I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.    

 I  can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort.    

I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent.    

I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

 I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose.      

 I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field.

I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works.

I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).  

 I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views.           

I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers.              

I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.

I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.    

I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.

I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.         

I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

 I can express myself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can select style appropriate to the reader in mind.            

 I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.

Final Exam  (30%)

Format: The final exam will include a reading comprehension, grammar exercises, and a composition.

Content: It will be based on Chapters 6-10 of Nuovo Espresso 3, and on the grammar covered in Soluzioni, Azione grammatica and Shaum' s.

More details will be provided closer to the time.

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

The unit aims at fostering language skills to level B1, described as follows in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): As a proficient user you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning; express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Students performing with outstanding performance will attain language skills as described for Level B2 of the Common European Framework: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
27/07/2018 Updated the unit convenor details.
19/07/2018 Date edited