Year
2020
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 3-hour seminar weekly
Prerequisites
1 of FREN3202, INDO3202, ITAL3202, MGRE3202, SPAN3202, INDO3102
Assumed knowledge
Intermediate to low advanced language skills in either French, Indonesian, Italian, Modern Greek or Spanish.
Assessment
Assignment(s), Oral, Portfolio, Project
Topic description
This topic is designed to consolidate and strengthen the students' proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in their language of choice, whilst considering momentous aspects of the cultures and societies where French, Indonesian, Italian, Modern Greek and Spanish are spoken. Classes will cover advanced features of the chosen language appropriate with this level, particularly syntax and stylistics, as featured in a selection of authentic written, aural and/or visual texts. Regular offerings include literature, cinema, theatre, traditions and migration.
Educational aims
This topic aims to:

  • Consolidate and expand students' knowledge of advanced grammar of their chosen language (particularly syntax, styles and registers) through integrating language study with broader studies in their corresponding culture

  • Further enhance students' communicative competence and collaborative learning skills, through participation in activities involving exposure to a variety of authentic materials and group or pair interaction

  • Deepen students’ understanding of pivotal developments and representative expressions of the language and culture of their choice.
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic, students will be expected to be able to:

  1. Interpret and assess extended speech in their chosen language, following complex lines of argument or with a high level of sophistication

  2. Read, interpret, paraphrase and summarise articles, reports and, in general, informative and literary texts concerned with contemporary issues and showcasing their culture of interest

  3. Take part in conversations in their language of choice with fluency and spontaneity and produce highly articulated oral texts.

  4. Create written texts in their second language of choice that contain clear descriptions, evaluations and reasonings on a range of subjects related to their culture of interest

  5. Reflect on and discuss critically important and idiosyncratic aspects of the cultures where their chosen language is spoken, and apply their academic knowledge and skills to a project of their choice.