Italian 3: cinque settimane, un libro
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 07 Nov 2025End Date: 05 Dec 2025Fri (Daytime): 15:00 - 16:30OnlineFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £77.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is for intermediate learners of Italian who wish to improve their grammar and vocabulary by reading shorter, simpler texts. In addition to the language studied, learners will discuss themes and characterisation in the chosen works of fiction, while in the case of non-fiction texts we will discuss the issues raised. Please note that the discussions will be conducted in Italian.
What will we cover?
The primary focus of the lessons will be discussing the texts read, but we will also use the texts as learning opportunities, looking at the grammar and vocabulary used.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- expand your knowledge of vocabulary
- give your opinion about a story and its characters
- give your opinion about topics from the book
- become familiar with a work of Italian literature-
- increase your exposure to a range of grammatical structures and verb tenses.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
To join this course, you should have studied Italian for three to four years. If you are currently studying at City Lit, you should be taking either Italian 3 Lower or Italian 3 Upper. You may be able to join and enjoy this course even if your Italian level is slightly lower – please email us if you are unsure of whether you have the minimum necessary level.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course takes place online, via Zoom, and is based on the communicative approach:
- active students’ interaction
- emphasis on speaking and listening skills
- pair and group work
- use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate
Please note, students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do some homework as and when required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
This term's book will be Lo scialle andaluso by Elsa Morante.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor can advise on any courses that may be of interest.
Ottavia Castellina is an art historian, photographer and tutor. After gaining a degree in Art History at Turin University she completed an MA in Photography at the London College of Communication. Over the past years she has been teaching Italian, art history and photography both in Italy and in the UK, while her photographic work has been internationally exhibited and published. She currently works as a photography lecturer at Genoa University while organizing workshops and courses in a range of different contexts and institutions.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.