Italian BA (Hons)

The module introduces students to issues relating to post-unification and fascist Italy and to past and current debates surrounding multilingual, multicultural and multi-ethnic Italy.

This module provides students with skills appropriate to a range of areas in Italian Studies and to assist them in developing generic study skills so that they are prepared for year two modules within the Italian curriculum. The module introduces students to issues surrounding past and current debates on changing values, conflicts and dissension within Italian society. Students will access and work on a range of historical, literary, journalistic and cinematic texts which deal with the relevant issues.

The module is an introduction to linguistics, focusing on issues in theoretical and applied linguistics which are relevant for language learners. It aims to equip students with a better awareness of and explicit knowledge about language and language learning. The meta-awareness thus gained will assist in hypothesis testing and rule formation essential to the learning of language.

This module offers students of Italian the opportunity to develop their knowledge of an Italian text or film (chosen from a short list) and their research and study skills, under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Students will produce a portfolio of work based on their chosen text and / or film, including: an academic bibliography, a comprehension exercise based on secondary literature, a commentary and an essay of 2000 words. These  assessments guide students through the process of researching around a topic, and will allow them to receive  feedback on each aspect of research. Students will work under the guidance of an academic supervisor, meeting them at regular intervals to agree a  plan of reading, to discuss progress and to prepare their assessed work. Students will submit a plan of their essay  to their supervisor for feedback before completing the assignment. The module is required for students of 75 (and 100) per cent Italian, and can be taken by students studying  Italian ab initio . Together with the module ITAL210, this forms part of a research pathway designed to  develop research skills in preparation for the MODL307 dissertation in final year.​

This module is an introductory module in Italian language and will cover grammar basic aspects like noun gender and number, articles, the present and perfect tense, modal verbs, prepositions and direct pronouns.
The topics covered will include:

Personal information;

Family life;

Education and university life.

This intermediate language module builds on existing Italian language skills. The focus is on all four areas of language competence (grammar, written, listening and oral).

This module is mapped against B1+ level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

An intensive course for those who have not studied Spanish before. Through a variety of methods, students will be provided with basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking Spanish. Students are expected to reach a level equivalent to that of level A1.

This module is mapped against B1+ level in Spanish according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The aim of the module is to work towards the expansion of the student’s already existent knowledge of Spanish language. Furthermore, the module places special emphasis on conversational fluency, grammatical accuracy and vocabulary acquisition. Students will receive three contact hours a week divided into two hours of integrated skills language seminars plus a one hour lab session of practical skills (listening and conversation) per week. In addition, students are expected to undertake regular independent language learning for which they will provided with materials and guidance via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment: VITAL/Canvas.​

This module offers absolute beginners a comprehensive overview of essential Chinese language functions and related cultural knowledge to develop basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking Chinese, and cultural sensitivity and awareness. You are expected to be active and engaged participants in the themed language classes. Computer, projector plus internet are used in on-campus class to enhance learning; Team, Zoom and other online tools are used in online classes to ensure the student learning experience under the circumstance of remote teaching/learning. Homework and self-study material is assigned weekly and is a must to achieve the expected learning outcome. Along with instructions in class, you will be given various teaching/self-learning material on Canvas ( The digital learning platform at University of Liverpool) to foster autonomy in learning the language and culture after class.

This module aims to develop students’ receptive skills in reading and listening as well as productive skills in writing and speaking at intermediate level; to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Chinese society, culture and customs.
Students are expected to be active and engaged participants in the themed language classes. Multi-media facilities plus internet are used in class to enhance learning. Homework is assigned each week. Along with face-to-face instructions in class, students will be given guidance on how to use the resources including online database, apps and blackboard to foster autonomy in learning the language and culture outside class.

This French language module is designed for first year undergraduate students . It is for absolute beginners or students with very limited knowledge of the language. No previous knowledge of French is required. Through a variety of methods students will develop a basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking French and an understanding of basic French grammar.
At the end of this 12 week- module students will be able to carry out simple everyday tasks in French. Students will be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They will be able to introduce themselves and others and ask and answer questions about personal details. They will be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly. They will have a basic understanding of significant aspects of life and culture of the country and intercultural skills necessary for their language proficiency level. This module is mapped against A1 level in French according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This module is the compulsory language module for all students enrolled in degree programmes aiming for a qualification in French. It is the first stage of a four-year learning curve and is preparation for the following year (FREN207 and FREN208).

This module is mapped against B1+ level in French according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This fast-track, intensive German language module is for complete beginners. No previous knowledge of German is required. It aims to provide students with basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking German and with a sound understanding of basic German grammar. On completion, students will have reached an A1+ proficiency level in the Common European Framework of Reference.

This compulsory language module for all students aiming for a qualification in German is designed for students who have an A-level in German, but it is also open to other students as an additional subject or as part of the Erasmus scheme. It aims to provide students with good competence in reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar through both lessons and independent project work. Students will be introduced to basic translation and interpreting skills during grammar lessons. Students may also benefit from extracurricular activities organised by a native speaker intern, the German Society and a conversation exchange organised through the Modern languages resource centre. It is also the preparation for the following year (GRMN207 and GRMN208).

Beginners’ Basque 1+2 equips the students with the skills needed to start communicating in Basque. It covers basic grammar structures and vocabulary and lays a solid foundation for further study. The course includes as well an introduction to a variety of aspects of Basque culture.

The principal aim of this module is to achieve greater proficiency in written and speaking Catalan and to provide a solid grammatical foundation.

The student will also have the opportunity to achieve an extra qualification by taking the International Catalan Certificate issued by the Institut Ramon Llull and held at the University of Liverpool.

This introductory Portuguese language module offers absolute beginners a comprehensive overview of basic grammatical functions and linguistic skills that will provide students with basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking Portuguese at A1+/A2 level according the Common European Framework of Reference.

The aim of the course is to give you grounding in analytical skills, an appreciation of the significance of film as a medium, and an ability to write about film in an accessible and well informed way for different audiences and different purposes.

Furthermore, the course will introduce you to the basic components of the audiovisual ‘language’ which film uses to communicate with its audience, and to the methods that you should use when analysing how any one film uses this language. We will look at a wide variety of films selected for their particularly innovative or influential treatment of different aspects of this ‘language’.

This module explores contemporary issues and debates through considering global relationships in the past and how they have shaped the world in which we live. In light of the tremendous impact that modern imperialism and colonialism have had in shaping our world, the module focuses, in particular, on questions relating to race, empire and their legacies.

By exploring some of the ways in which historical investigation enriches urgent contemporary debates, the module aims to introduce students to a range of new ways of approaching the past, both in terms of subject matter and of new approaches to history, and to broaden their historical understanding of both western and non-western history (or what scholars refer to as the ‘Global North’ and ‘Global South’) and the myriad connections between them. In addition, therefore, to preparing students for the range of subject matter, geographical areas and approaches that they will be able to study in the second and third years of their History degree programme, this module also aims to make students better global citizens.

This language module is intensive and aims to develop all the necessary skills to communicate confidently in spoken and written Italian within a range of topics, such as Italian culture and society, fashion and the "Made in Italy" industry, work and the business environment.

This module is mapped against A2 level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This intermediate language module builds on the existing Italian language skills developed in semester one. The focus is on all areas of language competence (grammar, written, listening and oral).

This module is mapped against B2- level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

SPAN134 is an elementary, intensive Spanish language and culture module. It aims at building language and intercultural skills, providing students with a solid understanding of the grammar, syntax, vocabulary and use of the Spanish language in context at an elementary level.

This module is mapped against B2- level in Spanish according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This is a first year advanced language course taught in the second semester where students attend seminars and practical sessions in small groups and focus on spoken and written Spanish. The aim is to work towards the expansion of the student’s already existent knowledge of Spanish language. Furthermore, the module places special emphasis on conversational fluency, grammatical accuracy and vocabulary acquisition. Students will receive three contact hours a week divided into two hours of integrated skills language seminars plus a one hour lab session of practical skills (listening and conversation) per week. In addition, students are expected to undertake regular independent language learning for which they will provided with materials and guidance via Canvas.

This module is the following module of CHIN112. It offers beginners a comprehensive overview of essential Chinese language functions and related cultural knowledge to develop basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking Chinese, and cultural sensitivity and awareness. You are expected to be active and engaged participants in the themed language classes. Computer, projector plus internet are used in on-campus class to enhance learning; Team, Zoom and other online tools are used in online classes to ensure the student learning experience under the circumstance of remote teaching/learning. Homework and self-study material is assigned weekly and is a must to achieve the expected learning outcome. Along with instructions in class, you will be given various teaching/self-learning material on Canvas ( The digital learning platform at University of Liverpool) to foster autonomy in learning the language and culture after class.

This module aims to further develop students’ receptive skills in reading and listening as well as productive skills in writing and speaking at post-intermediate level; To further deepen student understanding and appreciation of Chinese society, culture and customs.

Students are expected to be active and engaged participants in the themed language classes. Homework is assigned each week. Under our guidance and supervision, students will also be prepared for year or semester abroad in China (optional for students on Chinese 25%; compulsory for students on Chinese Studies 50%)

This module is mapped against A2 level in French according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).It is for students who have achieved a GCSE at foundation level or who have reached an A1 proficiency level in the Common European Framework. Through a variety of methods students will continue to develop basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking French and an understanding of basic French grammar. At the end of this 12 week- module students will be more confident to carry out all everyday tasks, they will start to be able to express their opinions about current affairs and function in many professional contexts. They will have an increased understanding of life and culture of the country and the intercultural skills necessary for their language proficiency level.

This module is a compulsory language module for all students enrolled in degree programmes aiming for a qualification in French. It is the first stage of a four-year learning curve and is thus preparation for the following year (FREN207 and FREN208).

This fast-track, intensive German language module is for students with an A1 level of proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference. It aims to provide students with a preliminary competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking German and with an understanding of intermediate German grammar. On completion, students will have reached an A2+ proficiency level in the Common European Framework of Reference.

This module is designed for students with A-level German or equivalent who have successfully completed GRMN105. In this module, skills acquired in semester one will be improved and enhanced in semester two. Students will read a book in German and discuss it in an oral exam. Students will also improve their knowledge of German grammar further and have access to the languages lab for listening comprehension. The module also prepares students for GRMN207 and GRMN208 in second year. Students may benefit from extracurricular activities organised by a native speaker intern, the German Society and a conversation exchange organised through our Modern languages resource centre. Students will continue practicing their basic translating and interpreting skills.

Elementary Basque 3+4 takes the students up to the A2 Breakthrough level of the CEFRL by widening the range of grammar structures and vocabulary to be acquired and so enhancing their receptive and productive skills. The course materials keep introducing the students to a wide variety of aspects of Basque culture.

This module is mapped against A2 level in Catalan according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This is an introductory intensive module which aims to provide students with a working knowledge of modern Catalan, written and spoken, roughly at A-level standard. The student will also have the opportunity to achieve an extra qualification by taking the International Catalan Certificate issued by the Institut Ramon Llull and held at the University of Liverpool.

This module is mapped against A2 level in Portuguese according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This module is a continuation of PORT112 and improves upon the linguistic skills acquired in that module. It offers beginners of Portuguese a comprehensive overview of basic grammatical functions and linguistic skills that will provide students with a sound competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking Portuguese.

The aim of this course is to introduce you to key theoretical and conceptual debates within Film Studies. It will develop your ability to apply these concepts to close readings of film texts and, in doing so, enhance your skills of critical analysis and independent thinking.

This module provides students with an introduction to modern continental European history.   It broadens their understanding by first considering factors of a general importance in the development of modern Europe, and then looking at particular events and countries.   In this way, students will be given a grasp both of broad themes in European history – such as demographics, political units, ideologies and social change – and of the specific way history unfolded in certain times and places.

This module allows students of Italian the opportunity to develop their interests in Italian studies by undertaking project work under the guidance of an academic supervisor. In consultation with their supervisor, students will produce an Assessment Portfolio which consists of a series of materials and tasks designed to help with the completion of the module (e.g. critical bibliography, outline plan, abstract, draft section of the project). Students have the opportunity to resubmit elements of the Assessment Portfolio in order to incorporate the feedback received. The Final Extended Project and its title are agreed in consultation with the academic supervisor.

This module will expand students’ knowledge of the Italian language by looking at grammar aspects like the tenses of the past and their contrast, the use of the subjunctive, and conditional sentences. Topics covered will relate to students’ interests and may be chosen with them, typically including young people, language variety, Italian cinema and literature, music.

The module aims to build on advanced oral and written language skills and to develop more specialised competences of the kind required in the year abroad.

This module is mapped against B2 level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This module introduces you to aspects of life in Britain and Europe between about 1740 and 1815. This period is often seen as the beginning of the modern world, when the ideas about human nature and society that still shape our own lives came into circulation and when the global entanglements generated by trade and colonisation began to have a lasting impact on everyday life in Europe. The module is taught by tutors from French, German and English Studies, and History, as well as staff from the National Museums Liverpool. It gives you an insight into the range of materials and methods that are used in research in eighteenth-century studies. Interactive lectures, seminars and fieldwork encourage a hands-on approach to learning. You start by inventing an 18th-century character and you follow that character through various experiences typical of the period: shopping, reading, travelling, thinking about political issues of the day. Images, artefacts and contemporary texts in English and other languages are made available to support your research. The aim is for you to develop your capacity for asking questions (curiosity) as well as for answering them (research skills).

The module develops a decolonial approach to the history of Italy, Africa and the Mediterranean, focusing on trajectories of colonialism and migration to and from Italy, from the age of the empires to the present. Adopting a decolonial perspective on the history of the Italian empire, its languages and cultures, the module examines some of the cultural and geopolitical tensions that shape ideas of heritage, citizenship and belonging between Italy and Africa. Exploring the making of individual and collective memories through a variety of media and languages, the module develops a language-sensitive approach to the study of history, memory and culture in the 21 st century.

This second-year optional module will introduce students to the theory and practice of language teaching. Subject specific lectures will provide an overview of the evolution of teaching methodologies and approaches throughout history and up until the latest developments in the field, such as gamification or the flipped classroom approach. They will also guide students on applying these theories to different teaching contexts, taking into account variables such as language level, students’ profile, motivation, or the cognitive implications of second language learning. School placements and/or supervisions will provide the opportunity to apply the theory to an actual teaching context and to develop a teaching project.

This module explores the most significant periods and some of the major genres / films of Italian cinema from its origin to the present.

Although often considered a monolingual English city, Liverpool is as diverse and multilingual as most major urban centres. This module invites students to draw on their linguistic skills and their awareness of languages more widely to consider critically the extent to which multilingualism is part of Liverpool. Taking both established theories and new ways of thinking, we will go out and physically explore parts of the city to see what resources (languages and images) are used to make Liverpool. At the same time, we look at the ways in which the city could be usefully more multilingual, and not only identify but also fill the gaps in the public space with students’ own translations into Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish.…

The modern city and the cinema developed together, and as they developed they referred to each other: cities have always been a prime space for film, while many urban theorists have found it useful to think of cities as cinematic spaces. The module introduces you to cinematic ways of representing the city, through the study of a number of representative films that deal with some major metropolis.You will have the opportunity to produce your own short smartphone film of the city of Liverpool as part of a small-scale group project. This will allow you to put your ideas into practice and to reflect on the filmmaking process. No prior knowledge of practical filmmaking is required to enrol in this module.

This module explores the ways in which screen media circulate and make meaning (in sites beyond Hollywood and outside the mainstream distribution channels associated with European and US films). It responds to the ways in which we understand film and other screen media today and explores theories and histories that reflect the ways in which they inform, represent and participate in cultures.

This module gives students the opportunity to carry out independent research in an area of interest to them. The topic should be related to one of the research specialisms of members of staff in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures. Students are expected to take the initiative in planning, researching and writing the dissertation. Supervision and guidance will be provided from a member of staff in the Department.

The module aims to bring the students to a level of linguistic competence that is of degree standard and that will allow them to deal with a wide range of linguistic, intercultural and professional contexts confidently and competently.

This module is mapped against C1 level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The module aims to bring the students to a level of linguistic competence that is of degree standard and that will allow them to deal with a wide range of linguistic, intercultural and professional contexts confidently and competently.

This module is mapped against C1+ level in Italian according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The module aims to develop the students’ knowledge and critical assessment of the Italian linguistic context and of the linguistic repertoires of those who live in Italy.

This module will introduce students to approaches to memory and to a body of textual, visual, material representation of terror that has become a key focus for critical analysis in recent cultural studies. It will provide a context in which students can engage in systematic comparisons between European, Latin American and East Asian experiences and representations of social and political trauma. It will also encourage students to reflect systematically on the political and ethical implications of literary, material, digital and cinematic representations of traumatic histories. You will have the opportunity to study in depth and compare examples of representation through different media and across different national and linguistic boundaries. Lectures provide background both to the main theoretical approaches, and to specific representations. In weekly seminars, you will work on the case studies covered in class, and on related materials. Assessment is on the basis of a poster and an essay.

The module engages with comics and graphic novels as increasingly relevant media in contemporary transcultural processes, notably in the emerging of memories and rewriting of History. Students will develop critical skills to read stories in words and images, an understanding of the different genres and forms of graphic narratives in the 21st century, and practical (i.e. writing) skills to engage with the expanding relevance of comics in the cultural industries. Moving across a series of linguistic and cultural contexts in which comics have been developed and translated since the 20th century, the module considers comics and graphic novels as tool of communication and self-narration across languages and cultures.

This module aims to introduce students to the history and background to Italian crime and Mafia written texts, films and other visual / media manifestations, and to the main relevant theoretical and critical approaches in the field.

A large proportion of films are based on written texts and this module will introduce you to a range of cinematic adaptations of literary works from across Modern Languages. Using adaptation theory to inform your analysis, you will have the opportunity to study excerpts from texts and consider the issues that arise from their adaptation as films. How does cinema convey a sense of the past or modify literary works from a different time period? How does it represent the gender roles which can be a central preoccupation of literature? How does film transcend language boundaries to bring modern-language texts to new audiences? On this module you will have the opportunity to explore these areas whilst also developing skills in film analysis, journalistic writing and academic writing.