Italian Language and Culture

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

Less than a quarter of the world speaks English, meaning that learning another language opens doors to new cultures, connections, and opportunities. Italian is not just a beautiful and widely spoken language—it is also a gateway to understanding Italy’s rich cultural heritage, from art and literature to history and cuisine.

This Beginner-Level Trinity Elective offers you the chance to develop fundamental Italian language skills while exploring a key cultural topic in its linguistic context. Whether you’re passionate about travel, history, or simply expanding your horizons, this elective will provide you with valuable communication and critical thinking skills that will benefit both your studies and personal growth.

PLEASE NOTE: This module will be offered at Beginner Level only in 2025/26.

What will I learn?

• Communicate effectively at a beginner’s level (CEFR A1).
• Gain new linguistic and intercultural skills through interactive learning.
• Explore a contemporary cultural issue in an Italian-speaking context.
• Develop strategies to enhance your language-learning process and reflect on your progress.

What will I do?

• Attend 9 x 2-hour face-to-face language classes, engaging in speaking, listening, reading, and writing tasks.
• Participate in weekly online quizzes and activities to reinforce learning.
• Work in teams to complete collaborative, interactive tasks in class.
• Prepare and deliver a Pecha Kucha-style presentation on a key cultural issue.

How will this be delivered?

• 18 contact hours of face-to-face classes.
• 82 hours of self-directed activities, including online tasks, reading, and assessment preparation.

How will this be assessed?

• 30% Five language quizzes to assess progress.
• 30% Participation in online discussions on cultural and linguistic themes (5 original posts & 5 comments).
• 10% Reflective learning journal to document your language-learning experience.
• 30% Pre-recorded Pecha Kucha presentation and written script analyzing a cultural issue.

Who can take this Trinity Elective?

Any eligible student can select this elective, except for students studying Italian in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies.

Level Requirements

• This Beginner-Level (A1) module is only for complete beginners with no prior linguistic knowledge.
• If you have Leaving Certificate Italian or equivalent, you cannot take this module.
• This elective is not open to native speakers of Italian.
• Applications will be screened after enrollment, and students who do not match the level requirements will be reassigned to a different elective with available places.

* Please note that assessment methods, assessment weightings and amount of contact hours are subject to change by the module coordinator. You can confirm all assessment details and expected contact hours with the module coordinator upon starting the elective.