Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit, taught intensively at the Monash Centre in Prato, Italy, aims to give a greater understanding of Italy and Italian culture and to provide an opportunity to perfect oral and written language skills. Focusing on the city of Prato, the course examines the urban biography of an Italian city from an historical and literary perspective. It explores how the city creates its distinctiveness and civic identity through the celebration of important figures of the Middle Ages such as the merchant Franceasco Datini, its monuments and art works, and contemporary writers. It investigates how Prato deals with its changing urban landscape and with challenges posed by intense immigration.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should:

1. have a greater understanding of Italy, the Italian city (Prato) and Italian culture;
2. have consolidated both oral and written language through linguistic and cultural immersion;
3. gained knowledge of the city's long history and its contemporary cultural and urban landscape;
4. have acquired an understanding of how Italian Archives work and be able to further develop research skills;
5. have acquired an understanding theoretical issues surrounding the conception of city.

Assessment

Oral exam: 20%
Written exam at the end of the course: 20%
Diary: Students will be required to maintain a diary in Italian that records their experiences and impressions during their stay in Italy. To be submitted on the final day of the course: 20%
Class exercises and participation: 10%
Research essay: Topic to be chosen after consultation with teachers and completed in Australia: 30%

Contact hours

The unit will be taught in intensive mode at Prato, Italy.
Classes will be in the morning 9.00-1.00 Monday to Wednesday and Friday.
Thursday will be reserved for the full day excursions.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

History
Islamic studies

Prerequisites

Completion of a first-year sequence or equivalent knowledge of the language