Advanced Language Practice and Skills (ALPS) 

Wednesday 15.00 - 17.00    Aula 14 Via Capponi (A) / Aula 1 Via Capponi (B) 

Friday 13.00 - 15.00 Aula 007 VSR

               Every conscientious language student aims to make continual progress in the acquisition, development and understanding of their target language. At higher levels and after many years of dedicated study, such progress is often difficult to perceive; finding a suitable direction and focus to further develop and grow linguistically may well be a problem for many students. This course aims to underline the importance of continual development of language learning as a necessary vehicle for both personal and professional language competence and confidence. The work covered aims to consolidate and build, by developing a better understanding of how previous language learning experiences have contributed to a student’s present level and promoting further language acquisition through the creation of experimental, interactive language learning situations.

Throughout the course, there will be a focus on production skills, necessary for C1(+) oral and written competency. Regarding oral skills, special attention will be given to presentation and negotiation skills, together with ample pronunciation practice; as for written skills, the ability to decode moves and analyse text effectively in order to stimulate an ensuing discussion will be developed. Each lesson, students will be given various language tasks based on different language skills to complete, working both individually and in groups, and will be required to present their results, compare and analyse their work. Given the interactive nature of the material, the success of the course will very much depend on the level of student participation and motivation.

In the end-of-course test, all the core skills practised during the course will be tested. The written language test will consist of a series of grammar, lexis and writing questions pitched at C1/C2 level. There will be two parts to the oral test: students will be required to give a presentation based on a topic discussed in an audio podcast, followed by an analysis and discussion of a previously unseen text.