Staff in the Department of Italian

Mrs Theresa Federici

Contact Mrs Theresa Federici (email at t.j.federici@durham.ac.uk)

Research Interests

My main area of research interest is in motivation in second language learners. I am particularly interested in motivation in ab initio language learners most notably of Italian and in the transition in motivation between secondary and tertiary education. My methodological approach comprises the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data combined within a framework drawn from theories of Second Language Acquisition and educational psychology.

My background in teaching English as a Foreign Language and in teaching Modern Foreign Languages has both fuelled my research interest in motivation and also furthered my interest in research and development of teaching materials and language teaching methodologies. For my recent publication for Routledge, I have undertaken considerable research into the role of writing in a communicative classroom and into the design of teaching resources for intermediate and advanced students of Italian.

Following my BA in French and Italian and my MA in Italian Literature (both at the University of Reading) I retain a strong interest in Dante's use of the figure of King David in establishing his literary identity within the Commedia.

Routes into Languages

I am the strand coordinator for Durham in the NE consortium for Routes into Languages.

Durham strand comprises Durham University together with Sunderland University and Teesside University and offers a series of on-campus GCSE and A level masterclasses, languages days and taster sessions.

For further information on Routes into Languages NE and forthcoming events please see: http://www.routesintolanguages.ac.uk

Teaching

ITAL 1021 Language practical course
I am responsible for designing and teaching the Italian 1B language practical course

ITAL 1021 Conversation course
I am responsible for designing and co-teaching the Italian 1B conversation course

ITAL 1071
In 2007-2008 I designed and introduced a new post A-level course to the range of courses offered by the Italian Department. I am the course co-ordinator for Italian 1A.

ITAL 20**
From 2008 I will introduce a second-year advanced language module for which I am course co-ordinator

MELA42030
From 2008 I will be teaching the MA in Translation module on translation from Italian into English

Indicators of Esteem

• 2006: Specialist Reader: I am an independent referee and specialist reader for Routledge
• 2002: Reviewer: I have reviewed publications for specialised journals including Tuttitalia, Reading Medieval Studies and Medium Aevum

Publications

• 2008 'Developing Writing Skills in Italian companion website'.

Books: authored

• 2008 Developing Writing Skills in Italian, Routledge.

Edited works: contributions

• 2008 'The Miserere: Dante, David and Ethics', in (ed.), Dante and Ethics: A special supplement of The Italianist 2007, Maney Publishing.

Essays in edited volumes

• 2010 'Dante’s Davidic Journey: from Sinner to Psalmist', in Montemaggi, Vittorio & Treherne, Matthew (eds.), Dante’s Commedia: Theology as Poetry, William and Katherine Devers Series in Dante Studies, Notre Dame Press.

Translated: Chapter in Edited Book

• 2012 (co-authored with Del Tredici & Federico) (trans.). 'Lombardy under the Visconti and the Sforza '. In The Italian Renaissance State. Gamberini, Andrea & Lazzarini, Isabella (ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 156-176
• 2012 (co-authored with Cengarle, Federica) (trans.). 'Lordships, fiefs and 'small states' '. In The Italian Renaissance State. Gamberini, Andrea & Lazzarini, Isabella (ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 284-304
• 2012 (co-authored with Della Misericordia, Massimo) (trans.). 'The rural communities '. In The Italian Renaissance State. Gamberini, Andrea & Lazzarini, Isabella (ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 261-283

Grants Awarded

• 2007: Enhancing the Student Learning Experience Award
• 2004: Il Circolo, London award for the promotion of Italian culture