Ateneo - UPO

The course develops the linguistic and communicative competences required to participate with increasing autonomy in academic study and university life in Italian, progressively supporting students from the consolidation of CEFR Level A2 competences towards the achievement of CEFR Level B2. Course content is organised around meaningful communicative tasks and includes the reception and production of spoken, written, and multimodal texts, interaction with lecturers and fellow students, the mediation of disciplinary content, reflection on linguistic and pragmatic resources, and the progressive development of learner autonomy in academic study.
The Italian as a Second Language – Intermediate Level course is intended for international students at the University whose language competences correspond to CEFR Levels A2 to B2. The course is organised into two progressive programmes (B1 and B2); placement in the most appropriate programme is determined on the basis of each student's language profile and the results of initial orientation and assessment activities.

Course materials are made available through the DIR CLUPO – Italian L2 platform (hereafter, the DIR platform), which serves as the course documentation space, the main channel of communication with students, and the online environment supporting teaching and learning activities. The platform provides materials used during lessons, final assessment practice materials, and supplementary resources, enabling students to continue working independently outside class.
Digital resources
DIR – CLUPO – Italiano in pillole is the platform dedicated to self-directed learning. The resources provided support the development of the language competences required for university study, the consolidation of grammatical and lexical competences, the development of reading and study strategies, the improvement of academic and professional writing, and engagement with texts drawn from university life, the media, and different academic disciplines.
Reference materials and resources for additional support
The following materials are not required course textbooks but may be used to strengthen prerequisite knowledge, support independent consolidation, and explore specific linguistic and disciplinary areas in greater depth.
Vocabulary and grammar
Duso, E. M. (2019). Grammatica dell'italiano L2. Studi Superiori.
Al Dente 1 – Corso d'italiano A1. Casa delle Lingue.
Al Dente 2 – Corso d'italiano A2. Casa delle Lingue.
Al Dente 3 – Corso d'italiano B1. Casa delle Lingue.
These volumes may be used for independent review and consolidation of language competences developed at previous levels.
Italian for academic study
Italiano per economisti. Alma Edizioni.
Italiano per giuristi. Alma Edizioni.
Italiano per medici. Alma Edizioni.
Additional materials, selected by the lecturer according to the needs of the group and the different academic disciplines, will be made available through the DIR platform during the course.

Organisation of teaching activities
The course carries 6 ECTS credits, corresponding to a total student workload of 150 hours, comprising 50 hours of structured learning activities (2 ECTS) and 100 hours of independent study and self-directed learning (4 ECTS). The course is offered in two parallel formats: face-to-face and synchronous online. It includes 10 hours of lectures (DE; TEL-DE – 0.4 ECTS), devoted to the introduction and systematic development of language structures, vocabulary, strategies, and methodological content, and 40 hours of interactive teaching (DI; TEL-DI – 1.6 ECTS), devoted to communicative tasks, guided practice, collaborative work, and activities focusing on linguistic and pragmatic awareness.
Learning objectives
The course aims to support students in progressing from the consolidation of linguistic and communicative competences corresponding to CEFR Level A2 towards the achievement of CEFR Level B2, with particular reference to the uses of Italian required to participate with increasing autonomy in academic study and university life.
The course is organised into two progressive programmes (B1 and B2), designed to support students with different initial levels of proficiency in progressing towards CEFR Level B1 and participating with increasing autonomy in university study.
Knowledge and understanding
The course aims to develop students' understanding of spoken, written, and multimodal texts related to the main contexts of university life and to expand the linguistic repertoire required to participate in the communicative practices of academic study, with particular attention to high-frequency vocabulary, pragmatic and discourse competence, and the comprehension of basic disciplinary terminology.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The course promotes the integrated development of reception, production, interaction, and mediation through tasks related to authentic situations in university life, developing students' ability to understand, select, reformulate, and communicate information from different sources and to use Italian appropriately in the main contexts of academic study.
Making informed judgements
The course develops students' ability to reflect on their language development, identify effective strategies for managing the main communicative tasks of university life, and use feedback and self-assessment tools to progressively guide their learning.
Communication skills
The course aims to strengthen students' ability to participate in common academic interactions, present experiences and study-related content, express and provide reasons for simple points of view, reformulate information from different sources, and communicate clearly, coherently, and appropriately for different audiences and university contexts.
Learning skills
The course promotes learner autonomy in academic study through the informed use of digital resources, students' plurilingual repertoire, and strategies for self-assessment, learning planning, and progress monitoring, supporting the consolidation of language competences and preparation for the subsequent Italian as a Second Language – Advanced Level course.

The course is intended for students whose linguistic and communicative competence in Italian corresponds to at least CEFR Level A2.
Placement in the course is preceded by a welcome and orientation module, designed to establish students' linguistic and academic profiles and identify the CLUPO course best suited to their learning needs. The module includes the collection of students' language biographies, an individual interview, a placement test, and the definition of their learning programme. The required level of language proficiency is verified on the basis of the available documentation and the results of the activities completed during the welcome and orientation module. Where a different level of language proficiency is identified, students are directed to the most appropriate CLUPO course.
Information on course access and orientation activities is available on the DIR CLUPO – Italian L2 platform.

The course adopts a communicative, task-based approach, drawing on situations and practices from university life. Teaching activities are designed to promote meaningful language use through tasks related to study, collaboration, and participation in the academic community, integrating the development of reception, production, interaction, and mediation.
Lessons are delivered face-to-face or synchronously online according to the schedule published on the DIR platform and are complemented by guided practice, individual and collaborative work, activities focusing on linguistic and pragmatic awareness, and the oral and written reformulation of disciplinary texts. Together, these activities support the progressive development of a learning community in which communicative demands and language needs emerging during the course become an integral part of the teaching and learning process.
The lecturer supports students in defining their individual learning programme, guiding their work in relation to individual objectives, their university studies, and the language needs that emerge during the course. The course design remains flexible, allowing activities, materials, and tasks to be progressively adapted to the needs of the group and to different disciplinary contexts.
The course is organised into teaching modules focusing on different communicative situations and practices of university life. The modular structure supports the progressive development of the different dimensions of communicative language competence and allows modules to be revisited or supplemented during the year according to students' linguistic and academic needs.
Course activities are complemented by the self-directed learning modules available on the DIR CLUPO – Italiano in Pillole platform, which enable students to consolidate their language competences, monitor their progress, and personalise their independent learning through materials, exercises, and self-assessment activities.
The course adopts inclusive and participatory teaching methods designed to value the diversity of linguistic and cultural profiles within the group, promote peer collaboration, and support the active participation of all students, while respecting individual differences and different learning styles.

The course runs throughout the academic year and is delivered primarily in Italian. Students' plurilingual repertoires are valued as resources for learning, language awareness, and mediation.
Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended. Students who are unable to attend regularly can use the learning resources available on the Moodle.DIR platform.
Participation in the welcome and orientation module is required for placement in the course.
Up-to-date information on course organisation, lesson schedules, teaching materials, enrolment procedures, and examinations is available on the DIR CLUPO – Italian L2 platform, which serves as the main communication environment between the CLUPO Language Centre and students.
To participate in the courses, students are required to:
• enrol on the DIR CLUPO – Italian L2 platform;
• complete the enrolment form;
• participate in the welcome and orientation module.
Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support by contacting the Student Career Development and Support Office and consulting the dedicated page on the University website.
For further information, students can consult the DIR CLUPO – Italian L2 platform or contact the CLUPO Language Centre teaching staff at ital2.clupo@uniupo.it.

Assessment is primarily formative and is designed to support the progressive development of the language competences required for participation in university life and subsequent progression to the Italian as a Second Language – Advanced Level course.
Throughout the course, students engage in self-assessment and reflection on their learning, supported by the use of a portfolio, lecturer feedback, and progress-monitoring tools. Formative assessment is based on the observation of students' performance in the tasks completed during the course, with particular attention to reception, production, interaction, mediation, and the development of learner autonomy.
At the end of the course, assessment activities and self-assessment tests enable students to reflect on the level of proficiency achieved, identify areas requiring further consolidation, and plan the next stage of their learning.
Self-assessment activities are intended to support learning and orientation and do not provide formal certification of language proficiency.

The course programme is organised into thematic modules, each focusing on the development of specific linguistic and communicative competences required for participation in university life. The course comprises two progressive programmes (B1 and B2), designed to address different levels of initial language proficiency and progressively support students in participating with increasing autonomy in university study. Each module integrates reception, production, interaction, and mediation through meaningful communicative tasks, primarily using authentic texts from the main contexts of university life.
The modules are not intended as rigidly sequential units but may be developed, revisited, and supplemented throughout the year according to students' linguistic and disciplinary needs. Classroom activities are complemented by consolidation and supplementary learning activities on the DIR CLUPO – Italiano in Pillole platform, enabling students to personalise their independent learning and develop greater learner autonomy.

B1 COURSE
Module 0. Orientation and learning planning
Target task
Plan one's learning in relation to initial objectives for university study in Italian.
Content and activities
Analysis of students' own linguistic repertoire; identification of learning needs and study objectives; exploration of course organisation and the resources available on the DIR platform; planning of independent work; initial development of study, self-assessment, and progress-monitoring strategies.
Module 1. Presenting your profile
Target task
Present one's academic background and experiences, providing reasons for choices, interests, and study objectives.
Content and activities
Presenting one's educational background and learning experiences; organising relevant information; explaining interests and objectives; adapting the presentation to the audience; producing short spoken and written presentations and initial academic communications; reflecting on one's plurilingual repertoire and self-presentation strategies.
Module 2. Understanding, discussing, and arguing a point of view
Target task
Understand and compare information from different texts in order to make decisions and carry out study-related activities.
Content and activities
Reading, listening to, and analysing introductory general-interest and disciplinary texts; identifying key information; comparing sources; selecting relevant information; using content to carry out simple study-related tasks and participate in guided discussions.
Module 3. Interacting and collaborating
Target task
Collaborate in study-related activities and in managing the main practices of university life.
Content and activities
Participating in collaborative activities; organising group work; negotiating roles and activities; asking for clarification; managing feedback; using digital tools to collaborate with lecturers and fellow students.
Module 4. Understanding, integrating, and mediating content
Target task
Understand and summarise information from different texts to support university study.
Content and activities
Consulting and comparing different sources; selecting essential information; integrating texts, images, and diagrams; summarising and reorganising disciplinary content; producing simple mediation and explanatory texts for fellow students.
Module 5. Interpreting and communicating data
Target task
Interpret information presented in different formats and use it to describe phenomena and provide reasons for simple decisions.
Content and activities
Reading and interpreting charts, tables, and infographics; connecting data and texts; describing phenomena; comparing different representations; using information to provide reasons for simple decisions and communicate outcomes.
Module 6. Consolidating competences and preparing for the next level
Target task
Reflect on one's learning and prepare for the B1 course.
Content and activities
Review of completed tasks; self-assessment of developed competences; use of the portfolio and feedback; identification of areas for improvement; consolidation of study strategies and preparation for the next level.

B2 COURSE
Module 0. Orientation and learning planning
Target task
Manage one's learning in the university context by identifying objectives, strategies, and resources appropriate to the demands of academic study.
Content and activities
Reviewing one's learning experience; identifying strengths and areas for improvement; exploring available resources; organising work throughout the semester; developing study, self-assessment, and progress-monitoring strategies.
Module 1. Presenting your profile
Target task
Present one's academic profile, adapting communication to the main university contexts.
Content and activities
Presenting one's academic background and developed competences; selecting and organising relevant information; adapting register and content to different audiences; revising one's profile on the basis of feedback; producing spoken presentations, short autobiographical texts, basic CVs, and formal communications.
Module 2. Understanding, discussing, and arguing a point of view
Target task
Understand and discuss disciplinary content, expressing one's point of view on key topics of study.
Content and activities
Reading, listening to, and analysing disciplinary texts; comparing interpretations; identifying main ideas and logical relationships; guided discussion of academic topics; developing strategies for providing reasons to support one's point of view.
Module 3. Interacting and collaborating
Target task
Manage collaboration with lecturers, tutors, and fellow students in carrying out the main academic activities.
Content and activities
Participating in group work and academic discussions; negotiating decisions and responsibilities; managing feedback and revision; collaborative problem-solving; using appropriate registers and respectful, inclusive forms of communication.
Module 4. Understanding, integrating, and mediating content
Target task
Reformulate and share disciplinary content from different sources, adapting it to the main university contexts.
Content and activities
Consulting and comparing different sources; integrating written, spoken, and graphical texts; summarising and reorganising disciplinary content; producing mediation texts; adapting information to the audience; participating in collaborative study activities and presenting content in spoken and written form.
Module 5. Interpreting and communicating data
Target task
Interpret and use quantitative and qualitative data to describe phenomena and support decisions in the main university contexts.
Content and activities
Reading and interpreting charts, tables, reports, and infographics; integrating data and texts; describing and discussing phenomena; using evidence to support decisions and present findings through spoken and written texts.
Module 6. Consolidating competences and preparing for the next level
Target task
Assess one's level of autonomy in university study and prepare for the advanced course.
Content and activities
Integrated review of the target tasks completed during the course; self-assessment of progress; use of the portfolio and feedback to consolidate competences; practice with integrated tasks; preparation for the advanced course through activities focusing on synthesis, review, and consolidation of study strategies.

By the end of the course, students will have consolidated language competences corresponding to B1 level of the CEFR and developed competences progressively oriented towards Level B2, with particular reference to the uses of Italian required to participate with increasing autonomy in academic study and university life.
Learning outcomes are monitored through observation, self-assessment, and formative assessment activities carried out throughout the course.
Knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to understand spoken, written, and multimodal texts related to academic study and university life, identifying key information, overall structure, and the main logical relationships; understand high-frequency vocabulary used in academic communication and university life and apply strategies to interpret basic disciplinary terminology; interpret charts, tables, and other visual representations; and recognise the appropriate register for common academic situations.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to select, organise, and reformulate information from spoken, written, and multimodal sources; produce short written texts that are clear, coherent, and appropriate to their communicative purpose and audience; describe and interpret information presented in charts and tables; summarise content from multiple sources, distinguishing essential information from personal observations; and use the main lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic resources required to carry out common language tasks in university life.
Making informed judgements
Students will be able to select information relevant to a specific communicative or study-related purpose; compare information from different sources; provide reasons for simple choices and decisions on the basis of available information; evaluate the effectiveness of their language learning and study strategies; identify strengths and areas for improvement in their own performance on the basis of explicit criteria; and use feedback effectively to guide subsequent learning.
Communication skills
Students will be able to communicate information, experiences, and simple points of view clearly and appropriately in common university contexts; adapt register and vocabulary to the audience and communicative purpose; organise short expository and descriptive texts and guided argumentative texts; describe and interpret data; and summarise and reformulate content from different sources in spoken and written form.
Learning skills
Students will be able to identify their own language needs and define realistic learning objectives; plan and monitor their learning through self-assessment tools; select appropriate materials and strategies for different study-related tasks; use dictionaries, grammars, and digital resources effectively; draw on their plurilingual repertoire as a resource for learning; analyse errors and use feedback to progressively improve their performance; and continue developing their Italian for academic study with increasing autonomy in preparation for the subsequent Italian as a Second Language – Advanced Level course.