Prerequisites                                                                                                                                                                              This course is appropriate for participants who have completed the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Languages (CEFR), or who have some knowledge of the Italian language and basic understanding of the grammar system.

Approach

The aim of the course is to expand the participants' knowledge of the fundamental aspects of the Italian language. All four communicative skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing - are developed throughout the course. Each lesson is task-oriented, focusing on a specific topic that connects logically to the previous and upcoming lessons. The course equips the participants with essential vocabulary and grammatical structures, enabling them to comprehend written texts, audio/video excerpts and produce various types of written content. The participants communicate effectively and confidently in the target language in a range of predictable everyday situations. They express ideas, dreams, preferences, wishes, opinions with clarity; describe aspects of their personal background; narrate events; make polite requests and inquiries; draw comparisons; make assumptions; and discuss future plans. The course also offers cultural insights into German-speaking countries, highlighting local customs, traditions, and everyday life, within the context of language learning. Additionally, the curriculum includes linguistic comparisons between Italian and English*, and the participants engage in practical translation exercises to further enhance their language skills. Various learning strategies are introduced to encourage independent study and self-guided learning.

Methods and forms of work   

The course includes work on the following topics and grammar:                                                                                                                                   

• Topics: Family, food and drinks, customs connected with drinking coffee, health, getting around the city, education and studying in Italy, environment, sports, professional activities, hobbies, events, fashion, travel, narrating historical events, customs, traditions, and stereotypes, geography and history of Italy. 

• Vocabulary: Regular vocabulary tests.

• Phonetics: Rules of Italian pronunciation (sounds /s/ /z/, /ts/, /dz/, /b/, /v/, /m/,/n/, /ɲ/ and interactive phonetic exercises. 

• Speaking: Dialogues, interviews, discussions and role-plays.                                                                                                                                         

• Listening: Exercises designed to improve listening comprehension.                                         

• Key grammar points: Imperfect tense, present perfect versus imperfect, pronouns as direct and indirect objects, future tense, imperative with pronouns, indefinite adjectives and pronouns, and conjunctions.

• Writing:Personal letters (semi-formal/informal letters), notes, messages, presentations, texts in the past.

• Translation exercises                                                                                                                                         

• Analysis of grammatical errors

• Learning strategies

• Insights into Italian life and culture                                                                                                                            

Performance monitoring                                                                                                     

• Independent study 

• Individual assignments as homework                                                                                                                           

• Grammar and vocabulary test after each completed unit

• Final Test: A comprehensive assessment to evaluate understanding and application of the course material.

• One examination simulation for the Italian exams

Learning materials: Printed worksheets on grammar, vocabulary, authentic written material from various sources,  multimedia (video recordings, film, TV, radio, song texts, etc.) are used to complement the standard textbook.

Beginn/Term duration: On request. 

Mode of delivery: Online, face-to-face (only company course), blended. 

Placement test: A placement test, which includes grammar exercises and a brief personal interview (max 15 minutes), is recommended.