Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.70856/p.2.2.7
Developing LSP Teaching in Higher Education in the Context of Italian Through History of Art
Cinzia Bacilieri
; Department of Language and Linguistic Science, YO10 5DD, York, UK
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper presents a historical overview, curriculum development, and applied teaching methodologies underpinning the University of York’s Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) “Italian through History of Art” umbrella, featuring a range of LSP courses. Such a programme is specifically designed for specialist and non-specialist ab-initio students of Italian, with a particular focus on fostering the acquisition of language skills to boost employability and preparation for the Year Abroad in Italy in the Art History context. The first part of the paper offers a historical overview of the curriculum’s development, from an initial pilot project with a reading skills-focused course, to integrating credit-bearing modules into a degree pathway and creating extra-curricular courses and activities to support learners. It discusses the challenges language teachers encounter in planning and developing interdisciplinary, content-based language modules that are fully embedded within undergraduate degree programmes or open to the public. In addition, the paper examines how Italian Art is a motivational factor for students of Italian, thus employed as a vehicle for developing language proficiency and critical thinking skills within a broader learning framework. The final part of the paper highlights key LSP pedagogical strategies that lead to the creation of content-integrated materials with a focus on History of Art and employability, catering for first-time language learners up to proficient language users. In particular, it presents recent syllabus adaptation as a follow-up from a revision of teaching objectives in response to students’ needs across different cohorts.
Keywords
Italian; Art History; Interdisciplinary; Employability; Collaborative approach
Hrčak ID:
343607
URI
Publication date:
14.1.2026.
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