This introductory OU level 1 module is designed to give you the skills you need to speak and understand simple Italian in everyday contexts. The module takes you through a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out in Italy. Study resources include printed materials and a dedicated website with a variety of online activities which support your independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for Italian society and culture too.
What you will study
The module is based around three books and has at its core the following elements:
- user-friendly, ‘bite-sized’ information dealing with language and cultural aspects
- gradual development of study and language skills
- development of basic vocabulary and set phrases
- audio material, featuring recordings made by native Italian speakers, and a wide variety of speaking activities
- practice activities and self-assessment tests to monitor your progress
- regular online activities.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts, with an emphasis on listening and speaking skills.
By the end of the module you will be able to speak and understand simple language and will have developed an understanding of key aspects of Italian society and culture.
Andante is an ideal preparation for Vivace: intermediate Italian (L150).
This module is designed to enable you to achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level A2 of the Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You will have developed your knowledge and understanding of the language as well as an awareness of cultural diversity in Italy, all of which form a key part of the learning outcomes for studying at this level. By the end of the module you will have developed key OU level 1 undergraduate study skills such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data.
Entry
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of Italian is required to study this module. To help decide if this is the module for you, see our guidance on choosing the right modern language level.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L195 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
Books and a dedicated website with additional online resources, activities and online audio recordings. As a registered language student you have access to an online forum, where you can communicate with fellow students.
You will need
We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary, which you will be able to use throughout your Italian studies, for example one of the following:
- The Compact Oxford Italian Dictionary, 9 May 2013, ISBN-10: 0199663130, ISBN-13: 978-0199663132, (This is the newest edition of what was previously called the Oxford Pocket Italian Dictionary)
- Collins Easy Learning Italian Dictionary (Collins Easy Learning), ISBN-10: 0007434782, ISBN-13: 978-0007434787, Edition: Third edition
-
Oxford Beginner’s Italian Dictionary, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-929855-6, ISBN 978-0-19-929855-6
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written and spoken tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. If you’re new to the OU, you’ll find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. This module includes a programme of tutorial events, all of which are offered online, and some of which are also offered face-to-face. You therefore have the option of attending all events online or a mixture of online and face-to-face. Where face-to-face events are held will depend on the geographical distribution of students taking the module. All of these tutorial events, whether online or face-to-face, will provide plenty of opportunities to speak and listen to Italian.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
TMAs assess your writing and speaking skills. Your listening and reading skills will be tested by computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) found on the website. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the module.
Future availability
Andante: beginners' Italian (L195) starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2019. It will start for the last time in October 2019 – there's no planned replacement.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.