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2012/13 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ITAL3233 Minority Languages and Dialects in Italy from Fascism to the Present

20 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Maria Chiara La Sala
Email: m.c.lasala@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2012/13

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 2 Italian or equivalent

Module replaces

ITAL3231 (10 credit version)

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

An excellent knowledge of Italian is essential, since this module is taught wholly in Italian and students' seminar contributions will be in Italian. Essays, however, will be written in English. The module is examined through two 2,500-word essays and one seminar presentation (in Italian). For more information, contact: j.k.thornton@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of the module, students will have a sound knowledge of the Italian linguistic situation and of how the concepts of 'language', 'minority language' and 'dialect' apply to it. Moreover, they will have awareness of the link between local and regional linguistic varieties and local and regional identities.

The students will be able to identify and analyse the different ways of safeguarding local or regional varieties in modern Italy and in particular they will be aware that the internet can serve as a powerful tool to preserve local or regional varieties. They will thus be able to critically evaluate online as well as printed primary and secondary sources.

In examining the official position of the Italian authorities from Fascism to the contemporary period, students will also be expected to understand the evolution of status of local or regional varieties and to evaluate issues related to improvement in their status.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- gather, evaluate and use information from secondary sources (both written and online);
- show an awareness of and sensitivity towards key historical events of the twentieth century, in particular with reference to their linguistic implications;
- communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- use IT effectively, both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
- take personal responsibility for their own learning.
Because the module will be taught in Italian, students will also improve their general linguistic skills.

Syllabus

The module will investigate attitudes towards the safeguarding of minority languages and dialects in Italy from the Fascist period to the present. The module will initially focus on the problematic nature of terms like language, minority language, and dialect, and how they refer to the Italian linguistic situation.

The concepts of language change and language maintenance will also be introduced. An overview of the status of dialects and minority languages during the Fascist years will be followed by an examination of contemporary attitudes towards dialects; the module will show that there is a perceived link between local or regional varieties and local or regional identities which becomes a key factor in determining a positive attitude towards these varieties. Special attention will be dedicated to online modes of safeguarding of regional or local varieties.

Lastly the future of local or regional varieties in Italy will be discussed.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- Private study, reading of texts, preparation for general class discussion: 130 hours
- Preparation and writing of two assessed essays: 40 hours
- Preparation for two class presentations: 10 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Feedback on seminar presentation(s) and participation.
- Feedback on First assessed essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,000 word essay (due in week 7)	40.00
Essay	1 x 2,000 word essay (due in the May examination period) - In the case of failed essays, an alternative essay chosen from the original list may be resubmitted for a maximum of 40%. Reassessment is by essay only, each essay counting for 50%	40.00
Presentation	Seminar presentation(s) and participation (Not resittable)	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 22/02/2013

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