48
Romanian Language and Literature
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives (2)
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The training program aims to provide students with the knowledge and methodological tools necessary to enable them to:
• produce coherent and well-structured oral and written texts (presentations, detailed descriptions, reports, brief arguments);
• understand and analyze dialogues, audio and written texts of intermediate complexity, with the ability to identify main ideas, relevant details, and communicative intentions;
• translate and reformulate intermediate-level texts from Romanian to Italian and vice versa, demonstrating lexical and grammatical mastery;
• interact effectively in routine conversations and in communicative situations that are not entirely predictable, using appropriate register and functional vocabulary.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Autonomy of judgment: students must demonstrate the ability to independently use study support tools (dictionaries, grammars, digital resources) and critically evaluate their own progress and learning needs.
• Communication skills: students must be able to communicate clearly and appropriately in Romanian, expressing opinions, questions, and answers, sustaining coherent and articulated communicative exchanges consistent with the intermediate level.
• Learning ability: by the end of the course, students should have acquired the skills necessary to continue studying the Romanian language with a high degree of autonomy, including in more advanced academic and professional contexts.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
(Knowledge and comprehension skills)
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
- have an in-depth knowledge of the phonetics and phonology of the Romanian language, with particular attention to advanced pronunciation and intonation patterns;
- understand and analyze more complex grammatical and morphosyntactic structures, including past, future, and conditional verb tenses, subordinate clauses, and passive constructions;
- possess an expanded vocabulary related to everyday and specialized contexts (work, study, culture, current affairs);
- understand and interpret written and oral texts of medium complexity (articles, interviews, reports, conversations), demonstrating linguistic competence at B1-B2 level according to the CEFR;
- know and appreciate cultural, historical, and social elements of Romania from a comparative and intercultural perspective, consistent with the educational objectives of the degree program.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and methodological tools necessary to:
- correctly apply advanced grammatical rules and vocabulary in more complex and varied communicative contexts;
- produce written texts of medium complexity (formal and informal letters, short essays, reports), using appropriate language and adhering to orthographic and morphosyntactic norms;
- independently understand and rework linguistic and cultural content at an intermediate level;
- use Romanian in structured oral interactions (discussions, presentations, arguments) on everyday life and current topics;
- operationally and contextually rework the linguistic concepts learned, including through guided listening activities, role-plays, and communicative simulations.
COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
- communicate clearly, coherently, and appropriately in Romanian in communicative situations of intermediate complexity;
- correctly use complex grammatical and syntactic structures;
- understand, analyze, and reformulate written and oral texts of intermediate level, also through passive and active translation activities;
- interact effectively with Romanian-speaking interlocutors in familiar and variable contexts.
LEARNING ABILITY
At the end of the course, the student should:
- have developed critical and practical skills to independently deepen linguistic and cultural topics at an intermediate level;
- be able to locate and select authentic and educational materials (both print and digital) useful for enhancing linguistic and cultural skills;
- demonstrate a propensity for self-learning and the use of support tools (dictionaries, online platforms, audiovisual materials) to consolidate and further develop acquired skills.
Course Prerequisites (2)
PREREQUISITES
To successfully engage with the course content, students are required to have:
- a solid knowledge of basic-level Romanian grammar, with particular focus on key morphosyntactic structures (fundamental verb tenses, passive forms, simple subordinate clauses), useful for understanding and deepening more complex structures;
- adequate skills in reading and comprehending written and oral texts of medium complexity, essential for performing linguistic analysis and critical understanding;
- familiarity with the use of advanced language learning tools, such as monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, audiovisual materials, digital platforms, and online resources, useful to support autonomous study, especially for non-attending or working students.
A prior knowledge of Romanian corresponding to level A2/B1 is required.
PROPEDEUTICITY
No mandatory preparatory courses are required for admission to this course.
However, for students enrolled in linguistic and literary study programs, it is recommended to attend this course in parallel with or after introductory modules in general linguistics or basic-level Romanian language courses, if included in the study plan, to ensure adequate methodological and linguistic support.
PREREQUISITES
- Knowledge of basic Romanian grammar corresponding to the A2 level of the CEFR (indispensable), necessary to tackle more complex content and consolidate intermediate language skills;
- Ability to understand and produce simple oral and written texts in Romanian (important), to actively participate in teaching activities;
- Reading and comprehension skills in Italian (useful), to facilitate autonomous study and understanding of explanations;
- Motivation and autonomy in studying the Romanian language (indispensable), especially for working or non-attending students, to effectively manage the learning process independently;
- Familiarity with language learning support tools (dictionaries, digital resources, grammars) (useful).
PROPAEDEUTICITY
- It is recommended to have completed an A2 level Romanian language course before starting this B1/B2 course;
- The course ideally integrates with subsequent modules for linguistic and cultural deepening of the Romanian language.
Teaching Methods (2)
TEACHING METHODS
The Intermediate Level Romanian Language course is structured through a well-rounded combination of teaching activities aimed at promoting the consolidation and expansion of linguistic and cultural competences, consistent with the B1-B2 learning objectives.
1.Lectures (approximately 35% of total hours)
Lectures focus on the in-depth study of advanced theoretical content, such as phonology, complex grammar, intricate syntax, specialized vocabulary, and cultural aspects of Romania. The instructor introduces more complex linguistic models, providing detailed explanations and contextualized examples, encouraging critical discussion and active student participation.
2.Exercises (approximately 30% of total hours)
Exercises are aimed at the practical application of advanced linguistic structures, including written and oral activities such as text analysis, essay writing, translation, and content reworking. Exercises can be done individually or in groups, guided by the instructor or teaching assistants, with immediate and thorough feedback.
3.Language Laboratory (approximately 25% of total hours)
Laboratory activities focus on refining pronunciation, listening to complex oral texts, and developing fluent and coherent oral communication. Advanced multimedia tools and real-life situation simulations are used to enhance communicative competences in both formal and informal contexts, through role-plays, discussions, and presentations.
4.Seminars and Integrative Activities (approximately 10% of total hours)
Seminars cover cultural, literary, and social topics related to contemporary Romania, group work, individual and group presentations, as well as formative self-assessment tests to monitor progress. Students are also encouraged to undertake independent research and thematic studies to deepen their intercultural knowledge.
TEACHING METHODS
The Romanian language course at B1/B2 level employs a combination of different teaching methodologies to promote the integrated acquisition of linguistic and communicative skills, in line with the intended learning outcomes.
- Lectures (40%): Theoretical lessons focused on deepening knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, and cultural aspects of the Romanian language. These lessons provide the theoretical foundation necessary for understanding linguistic structures and cultural context.
- Practical exercises (30%): Guided application activities conducted in the classroom, including exercises in oral and written comprehension, written and oral production, translation, and linguistic mediation. These exercises help consolidate acquired skills and provide immediate feedback.
- Language laboratory (15%): Sessions in the lab dedicated to the use of digital tools and multimedia resources (audio, video, language software) to improve pronunciation, listening, and comprehension, as well as to encourage autonomous learning through interactive activities.
- Seminars and supplementary activities (10%): Thematic meetings on specific aspects of Romanian culture, literature, and society, with possible participation of external experts. Group activities, individual or group presentations, and brief thematic research projects conducted by students are also planned.
- Self-assessment and individual work (5%): Ongoing assessments, written assignments, and critical reflections to monitor student progress and support the development of autonomous study skills. The use of self-assessment tools helps students identify strengths and areas for improvement.
The distribution of activities ensures a balance between theory and practice, individual and collaborative work, and in-person learning and autonomous activities, consistently with the guidelines of the CdS Tuning Matrix and SUA-CdS, section B.1.
Assessment Methods (2)
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. Types and structure of the tests
The final exam consists of written and oral tests, structured as follows:
- Online written test: includes exercises on reading comprehension, translation of moderately complex texts from Romanian to Italian and vice versa, and open-ended questions aimed at verifying advanced grammatical and lexical knowledge. The written test aims to assess comprehension skills, written production, and theoretical knowledge of the language at an intermediate level.
- In-person oral test: consists of an interview during which the student must demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, coherently, and appropriately in everyday contexts and more complex communicative situations. The oral test may include descriptions, answers to questions, simulated dialogues, presentations, and discussions on current or cultural topics.
2. Language of the exam
The exam is mainly conducted in Romanian, with the possibility of using Italian for clarifications or explanations, especially during the written test.
3. Evaluation criteria
The assessment is based on the following aspects:
- Coherence and grammatical and lexical accuracy: appropriate and accurate use of linguistic structures and vocabulary at an intermediate level.
- Reading comprehension and written and oral production skills: effectiveness in understanding moderately complex texts and producing coherent, relevant, and understandable texts.
- Communicative abilities: relevance, coherence, and appropriateness of oral and written responses according to the proposed communicative contexts.
- Completeness and relevance of information: ability to respond thoroughly and in depth to questions and to develop the assigned topics.
- Ability to apply learned rules and procedures: practical demonstration of the use of theoretical knowledge, including in simulated or contextualized situations.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of both written and oral components. The written test is conducted online through the Moodle platform and includes exercises on reading comprehension, grammar, and written production of short texts (descriptions, arguments, reports). The oral test involves an interview in which the student demonstrates their ability to understand and produce spoken language on topics covered during the course, including interaction in structured conversations. No intermediate tests are scheduled. The final grade is expressed out of 30.
The exam is mainly conducted in Romanian, with possible use of Italian for clarifications or linguistic mediation.
Evaluation criteria include:
- Coherence and clarity in written and oral production;
- Correct application of intermediate-level grammatical and lexical structures;
- Ability to understand and analyze written and oral texts;
- Accuracy in translation and linguistic mediation;
- Ability to engage in effective and contextually appropriate communicative interaction;
- Completeness and relevance of the information provided;
- Correct use of terminology specific to the Romanian language;
- Ability to synthesize and personally rework the topics covered.
Evaluation also takes into account active participation in teaching activities and commitment to autonomous study.
Texts (2)
M. Lovinescu, "O istorie a literaturii romane pe unde scurte 1960-2000", Humanitas, București 2023;
M. Vișniec, "Il Cabaret Dada. Testo rumeno a fronte", Criterion, Milano 2022;
M. Vișniec, "Cronica realităților tulburătoare", Polirom, Iași 2019;
G. Luca, "L'inventore dell'amore. Testo rumeno a fronte. Ediz. bilingue", Criterion, Milano 2018.
Valentina Negrițescu, "Grammatica d'uso della lingua romena", Milano, Hoepli, 2018.
Matei Vișniec, "Cronica realităților tulburătoare", Polirom, Iași, 2019.
Ovidiu Pecican, "Istoria României", București, 2023.
Contents (2)
Romanian Language II-III – Intermediate Level (B1-B2)
List of topics:
- Advanced phonology and intonation: in-depth study of specific sounds and prosodic variations in the Romanian language;
- Complex conversations: expressions for discussing opinions, emotions, and personal experiences in both formal and informal contexts;
- Advanced verb tenses: use of past tenses (perfect, imperfect, simple past), future, and conditional; irregular verbs and passive forms;
- Complex syntactic constructions: relative, temporal, causal, and concessive subordinate clauses;
- Expanded thematic vocabulary: areas such as work, study, current events, environment, health, and technology;
- Idiomatic expressions and sayings: usage and comprehension in communicative contexts;
- Writing and analysis of more complex texts: formal and informal letters, short essays, reviews, and more structured emails;
- Listening and comprehension of complex oral texts: interviews, short lectures, radio programs;
- Oral production: presentations, group discussions, and arguments on current topics;
- In-depth cultural elements: history, literature, regional traditions, and contemporary Romanian society;
- Translation and comparative analysis: texts from Romanian to Italian and vice versa, with attention to linguistic and cultural differences.
Romanian Language – Intermediate Level (B1/B2 CEFR)
List of topics:
- Advanced phonology, prosody, and pronunciation: refining pronunciation; expressive intonation in affirmative, interrogative, exclamatory, and complex sentences;
- Thematic vocabulary and phraseology: lexical enrichment on current affairs, daily life, academic and cultural topics; common idiomatic expressions, sayings, and proverbs;
- Intermediate morphosyntactic grammar: simple and compound verb tenses (perfect compus, imperfect, mai mult ca perfect, future, conditional); reflexive and pronominal verbs; use of conditional and subjunctive moods;
- Complex sentence structures: subordinate clauses (causal, temporal, final, conditional, concessive, relative); connectors and discourse markers;
- Advanced pronouns and determiners: relative, indefinite, possessive, demonstrative, and negative pronouns; emphatic constructions with double pronouns;
- Nouns, articles, and adjectives in articulated contexts: formation of comparative and superlative forms; stylistic use of adjectives; articulation of proper nouns and complex forms of the definite article;
- Complex prepositions and adverbs: advanced spatial and temporal expressions; use of complex prepositional and adverbial phrases;
- Guided written production: writing coherent texts (emails, letters, descriptions, arguments, brief reports); techniques of paraphrasing and summarizing;
- Oral production: presentations on familiar topics; narration in the past; expression of opinions, emotions, agreement/disagreement; participation in more structured conversations;
- Reading and listening comprehension: reading authentic texts (newspapers, essays, articles, short stories); listening to audio and audiovisual materials (interviews, dialogues, news reports, podcasts);
- Translation and language mediation: exercises in written and oral translation/mediation between Romanian and Italian at an intermediate level;
- Elements of Romanian culture and civilization: in-depth exploration of literature, cinema, music, institutions, and society; intercultural comparison with Italy and Europe.
Course Language (2)
Italiano and Romanian
Romanian
More information
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