This paper aims to present the whole range of grammatical structures of the Italian language to ab-initio students, in order to develop an active understanding and use of the Italian language in a variety of registers, including literary. By its very nature the course runs at an intensive pace and is supported by carefully designed language material both on paper and online, that enables students to acquire, develop and reinforce the basic structures and vocabulary of Italian.
On successful completion of the paper students are able to recognize and use correctly all the basic structures of the Italian language. Students are able to use Italian in everyday situations both at a formal and at an informal level, having acquired a good basic vocabulary and the means to expand upon it. They are able to understand and interact with a variety of textual material, selected in order to present different registers and styles of language. Students practice through guided and free language production exercises such as fill-in-the-gaps and multiple choice grammar exercises, and writing exercises such as summary and composition.
To be purchased before arrival
- Soluzioni, A practical Grammar of Contemporary Italian, De Rome, D., Hodder Education, 4th edition, 2018
- Attiva il lessico, Cattunar J., Colombo F., Bolzoni A., Perrella P., Memelli S., Le Monnier, 2013
- Nuovo Spazio Civiltà, Medaglia C., Medaglia F., Loescher, 2021
Soluzioni is the recommended reference book for the ab-initio level, a very comprehensive grammar book that will work very well as a reference grammar book all through the time at Cambridge. This manuale di grammatica is now in its 4th edition, but previous editions are equally suitable for revision and practice work. (Please also note that the MMLL library and many College libraries will hold copies of this text). Below is a list of suggested language publications of interest for reference and/or further language preparatory work for Cambridge.
- English Grammar for Students of Italian, Primorac, K. and Adorni, S., 2011,Olivia & Hill Press, 3rd edition. This is a particularly helpful reference book that can help in dealing with the grammatical and syntactical terminology involved in the teaching of language at Cambridge.
- Italiano e inglese allo specchio: eserciziari per anglofoni - problemi ed errori di interferenza, Bertoni S., Loescher, 2014
- Any title of your choice from Italiano facile, 2 o livello (intermedio), Alma Edizioni, www.almaedizioni.it/it/catalogo/progetti/ADULTI/LET/. You are invited to refresh your Italian by enjoying reading and listening to any of the titles on the list. The stories use about 1000 words of vocabulary and are a great way to revise.
Pre-Arrival Language Work: It is essential that all the basic communicative material in the online resource Just in Time Essentials available on the Language Centre LC Online resources is consulted and used before arrival http://lconline.langcen.cam.ac.uk (please note this is protected access material, so you will need your University of Cambridge Raven pass activated)
Students will work in two lectures weekly, and in smaller groups (6-8 students) for one consolidation class weekly.
In addition to the lectures and classes students have weekly/fortnightly supervisions in small groups (usually of three students), where teaching is tailored to individual needs or specific areas regarding language and or the study of literature and culture.
All ab-initio classes and supervisions are taught by native speaker
Please see here for the ITA1 Moodle site.
Formative assessment
Short informal grammar and vocabulary tests are conducted periodically to monitor progress.
Progress Test: Students take a 2-hour test on grammar, vocabulary, translation, at the beginning of Lent Term.
Examination
The 3-hour written exam includes grammar and vocabulary exercises, a guided composition based on images of contemporary Italian theme, guided writing on topics relevant to the Modern Italian literature narrative text studied in the ITA3 (Introduction to Italian: Texts and Contexts) paper.
Dott. Claudia Domenici, Associate Professor in Italian |
