Italian Culture and History (Language B) 3200-L3-KOJBW

STUDENTS:
K1_W07 will know and understand the relation between languages and their role in culture
K1_W10 will know the outline of culture of the studied language and understand the role of language in the communication between people and cultures
K1_W11 will know and understand cultural differences, being a core element of multicultural societies in the contemporary world, and understand a general outline of the social-economic and legal reality of the studied languages
K1_W12 will know and understand the functioning of cultural institutions and will be well informed about these in the studied languages

K1_U01 will be able to critically analyze texts as cultural products, as well as to search, analyze, assess and select authentic texts in the studied languages and develop professional skills in the field of cultural studies
K1_U03 will be able to recognize characteristic cultural elements and correctly interpret social-historical changes as regards the studied language area
K1_U12 will be able to identify goals and plan how to achieve them, understanding the need to continue self-education and boosting one’s skills, including practical linguistic competence

K1_K01 will be ready to accurately identify and solve dillemas of intercultural communication, caused by discrepancies in language systems and cultural differences, without forgetting about ethical requirements and heeding expert advice
K1_K03 will be able to participate in the cultural life of the region, country, and Europe, using traditional and modern media and forms of communication
K1_K04 will be ready to undertake actions in intercultural/ multicultural communication, serving to preserve the cultural heritage of the given region or country
K1_K05 will be ready to manage a group in a responsible manner (within a group research or practical project – e.g. educational, multicultural or multilanguage), accepting responsibility for the outcomes
K1_K06 will be ready to cooperate and work in a group, adopting different roles (including the role of linguistic and cultural mediator) without forgetting about professional ethics

ASSESSMENT METHODS:

- Italian geography test (physical, political and economic maps) – 10 items to
be marked on a blank map; students will be given access to a detailed study guide listing test requirements;

- student's active participation (classroom discussions based on assigned reading and classroom presentations);

- written final test (two opinion essays analysing selected problems related to course curriculum, students free to choose two topics out of four)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Geography Test assessment criteria:

if fewer than 7 items are marked on the map correctly - the grade is 2 (fail);

if 7 items are marked on the map correctly - the grade is 3 (pass);

if 8 items are marked on the map correctly - the grade is 4 (good);

if at least 9 items are marked on the map correctly - the grade is 5 (very good).

2. Students' active participation assessment criteria:

When actively participating in a classroom debate, student is assigned a "plus" symbol by the instructor. "Pluses" are counted at the end of

each term.

Students' active participation throughout the term is assessed through comparing the number of "pluses" they have gathered with that of

the best student in their group.

Their final grade for active participation in each term will be as follows:

if the student has gathered 0-25% of the "pluses" gathered by the best student - the grade is 2 (fail);

if the student has gathered 25-50% of the "pluses" gathered by the best student - the grade is 3 (pass);

if the student has gathered 50-75% of the "pluses" gathered by the best student - the grade is 4 (good);

if the student has gathered 75-100% of the "pluses" gathered by the best student - the grade is 5 (very good);

3. Written final test assessment criteria:

Students are given a 3 (pass) grade, if:

- they answered two out of four questions;

- their answers addressed the questions only partially;

- their opinion/point was expressed only indirectly;

- their arguments were debatable/unconvincing;

- their factual knowledge was basic, with few specific facts, names, terms and figures and some errors;

- their work contained a number of linguistic errors but remained comprehensible.

Students are given a 4 (good) grade, if:

- they answered two out of four questions;

- their answers addressed the questions even if some elements were irrelevant;

- their opinion/point was stated;

- their claims were supported by at least two arguments, largely convincing;

- their factual knowledge was good, with several specific facts, names, terms and figures and few errors;

- their work contained few linguistic errors.

Students are given a 5 (very good) grade, if:

- they answered two out of four questions;

- their answers addressed the questions effectively;

- their opinion/point was expressed clearly;

- their claims were supported by several convincing arguments;

- their factual knowledge was impressive, with a number of specific facts, names, terms and figures;

- their language was correct and academic.

4. Students' final grades are calculated as mean grades, taking into consideration:

- the geography test grade = 20% [but positive result is required to accomplish the entire course];

- active participation grade = 30%;

- written final test = 50% [but positive result is required to accomplish the entire course].

Students are assigned the following final term grades:

- a 3 (pass), if their mean grade is 3-3,24;

- a 3,5 (pass+), if their mean grade is 3,25-3,74;

- a 4 (good), if their mean grade is 3,75-4,24;

- a 4,5 (good+), if their mean grade is 4,25-4,74;

- a 5 (very good), if their mean grade is at least 4,75;

5. Absences:

Students are allowed to miss two classes (be absent twice) every term.

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REQUIRED READING:

Balboni P., Geografia d’Italia per stranieri, Perugia 2005

Balboni P., Santipolo M., Profilo di storia italiana per stranieri, Perugia 2004

EXTRA READING:

Crainz G., L’Italia repubblicana, Firenze 2000

Galli della Loggia E., L’identità italiana, Bologna 1998

Ginsborg P., Storia d’Italia dal dopoguerra a oggi, Milano 1996

Olivieri M., Compendio della storia d’Italia e documenti per la storia d’Italia, Perugia 2007

Vissani M., Regioni d’Italia. Dall’A alla Z., Firenze 2004.

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

• Description of 3200-L3-KOJBW in USOSweb