ITA3090

Italian Studies 9 ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Susanna Scarparo

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit integrates two components: (i) Level 9 Language (70%) and (ii) Year 3 Culture (30%). (i) Language: the component is thematically organised and presents a variety of texts through which to explore register variations and discourse strategies. The component reviews areas of syntax considered problematic and aim at consolidating oral and written expression. (ii) The cultural component for third-year Italian aims at providing an introduction to Italian culture and thought of the Renaissance through an overview of the period and the analysis of representative literary texts of that period.

Objectives: On completion of the unit students should have refined their knowledge of language structures and functions. They should have a clear understanding of sequence of tenses and moods, have mastered more complex structures such as the passive and the impersonal form, indirect speech etc. They should be able to operate in the language with accuracy and have the ability to construct complex sentences with appropriate subordination. They should be able to read texts of varied complexities such as journalistic articles, academic writing and literary texts and recognise the syntactic complexities of different styles of writing. Their knowledge of Italian syntax should enable them to avoid interference with English, and they should also have sufficient familiarity with comparative linguistic structures to be able to translate from the two languages. In the cultural component students should gain an understanding of the interrelationships between the literary production and the ideology of the period covered. Students should also have familiarised themselves with textual analysis and different types of narrative constructs.

Assessment: Mid-semester Specialized Culture Assignment 1 (1000 words) in English or in Italian: 15% + End-of-semester Specialized Culture Assignment 2 (1000 words) in English or in Italian: 15% + Continuous assessment (class work on grammar, comprehension exercises and translation folio): Equivalent of 1300 words in English: 40% + Mid-semester test Equivalent of 500 words in English: 10% + End of semester examination Equivalent of 700 words in English: 20%

Contact Hours: 4 hours (1 hour culture lecture, 2 hour workshop and 1 hour workshop) per week

Prerequisites: ITA2080 or equivalent language competence

Prohibitions: ITA2090, ITA4090