Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit studies the dynamics of the tension between the two poles of 'national' and 'local' in Italian language and culture. The starting point of the study is the sixteenth-century definition of the 'Italian language' and the invention of the notion of 'dialect', with the parallel evolution of a 'national' literary and cultural tradition versus 'local' or 'regional' subcultures. The tension between these two poles is examined at selected moments of linguistic and cultural redefinition, between the sixteenth and twenty-first centuries, but with particular attention to the ways that political unification has reshaped the debates. Classes are introduced to a variety of approaches to this topic. Students research different ways in which the tension was represented in language and in different forms of cultural expression. As all classes are conducted in the Italian language, students acquire advanced written and oral skills in Italian and develop the ability to articulate and discuss theoretical ideas and interpretations in Italian.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) analyse the 'national/local' opposition in relation to Italian language and culture; (2) formulate analyses of that opposition in general terms that can be applied to other linguistic and cultural realities; (3) describe linguistic and cultural texts from different historical moments with reference to the national/local tension; (4) conduct research into the linguistic and cultural history of Italy and into theoretical understandings of that history; (5) present complex ideas and interpretations in correct and coherent written Italian, to a level comparable to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); and (6) articulate and discuss theoretical ideas and interpretations in oral Italian, to a level comparable to C1 of the CEFR.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation in class discussions and debates; (2) oral presentation and written summary; and (3) research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor John Kinder
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.