Attendance at language courses

For degree programs that require language proficiency, attending language courses is strongly recommended. While there is no set limit on the number of absences, it is recommended not to exceed three per semester.

For degree programs that require a language exam graded out of 30, attending language courses is mandatory. If a student's attendance falls below 70%, they are considered “non-compliant” and are assessed using a different method. The assessment will be based entirely on a single, individual final exam that counts for 100% of the grade. The exam will be more challenging than the one for students who attend classes, to compensate for the knowledge they didn’t acquire during the semester.

As part of continuous assessment and in keeping with the Luiss educational model, the participation and commitment demonstrated in class are an integral part of the evaluation that the instructor is required to provide at the end of each semester. Actively participating in class is also the best way to prepare for the end-of-semester exams and allows you to strengthen your skills in preparation for the final semester of the course, which is a prerequisite for earning university credits (CFU) throughout your academic career. In the event of an absence, students must obtain the course materials covered in class and complete any exercises assigned by the instructor.

With particular reference to attending online language courses, you are required to:

• follow the rules for attending online classes just as you would for in-person classes, meaning you should connect to your virtual classroom on time and ensure you participate remotely throughout the entire lesson.
• log in to the virtual classroom with a username that allows for immediate identification, preferably using your first and last name (no nicknames or other aliases)
• keep your webcam on for the entire duration of the lesson. Otherwise, the absence will be recorded
• participate in online learning activities with professionalism and honesty
• not share lesson content on social media or the web
• not hinder online learning activities in any way that would disrupt their smooth operation

English – Degree Programs in Economics and Management and Law

English is a mandatory course with no exemptions. The course aims for a natural progression in language proficiency from semester to semester. Eligibility is achieved at the end of the third year.

At the end of each semester, students take a test to assess their written and oral skills. Passing this test means you have completed the current level and can move on to the next language level. However, failing the test means the student does not advance to the next level and must repeat the module in the following semester. Classroom participation and any assessments the instructor may give during lessons at their discretion also factor into the evaluation.

To achieve proficiency, students must take a test in the final semester of the course (usually the second semester of the third year), demonstrating that they have acquired the skills required for their exit level. The exit level is calculated based on the entry level and serves as the minimum threshold for achieving proficiency. Reaching this level before the final semester does not exempt a student from attending the course, nor does it allow them to take the final exam before the end of the third year (unless they achieve the highest level on the scale: C2.2).

If a student does not pass, they can take the final test (written and oral) at the Istituto Trinity School Accademia Linguistica. Similar to exams graded on a 30-point scale, the test can be taken during the exam sessions listed in the academic calendar (winter, summer, and fall). There is a maximum number of attempts allowed for each session. The University Language Center provides guidance on the procedures and timeframes for regaining language proficiency. 

English and a required second language – Degree programs in Political Science; Politics: Philosophy and Economics; Government, Administration, and Politics; International Relations; Policies and Governance in Europe

If included in the curriculum, the required English and second language courses involve taking a final exam graded on a scale of 1 to 30. The exam is based on the work completed during the final semester and the grades earned in previous semesters. Therefore, the following factors determine whether the exam is passed and the grade out of thirty:

• the grades earned in the semesters prior to the final one. At the end of each semester, the assessment (PASS/FAIL/NC) is supplemented with a score out of thirty. This score does not count toward the average but is considered by the instructor when determining the final grade.
• attendance and participation (minimum 70%)
• the work done in class using the textbook and teaching materials provided by the instructor
• independent work (assignments)
• the results of the written and oral exams

The written exam, when scheduled, takes place during the final class. It involves reading a text or article related to a topic covered in class and writing an argumentative essay with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The oral exam, which students take after the faculty member’s assessment, is held during the exam sessions listed in the academic calendar. Upon completion of the oral exam, students will receive a grade out of thirty, the corresponding university credits, and a language proficiency level aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). As with other courses, students who fail the exam or are absent can take it during subsequent exam sessions.

For students enrolled in three-year degree programs only: Those who demonstrate, through the initial assessment test or the end-of-semester tests, a C1.3 level of proficiency in English or a C1.1 level in the second language will be eligible to enroll in the “Academic Language” semester taught by Luiss faculty and take the final exam early (in the first or second year of the program).

Mandatory language - Degree programs in Business Administration; Economics and Business; Global Law; Management and Artificial Intelligence; Management and Computer Science

At the end of the final semester, students in the mandatory language courses will receive a final certificate of proficiency, a language proficiency level, and university credits. At the end of each semester of the course, students take a test to assess their written and oral skills. Passing this test means you have completed the current level and can move on to the next language level. However, failing the test means you won't advance to the next level and will need to repeat the module in the following semester. Classroom participation and any assessments the instructor may give during lessons at their discretion also factor into the evaluation.

<p > Eligibility can be recognized if, upon completion of all course semesters, a progression in level is demonstrated. Although there is no minimum exit level, proficiency cannot be recognized based solely on previously passed semesters. To achieve language proficiency, students must pass a final exam at the end of the entire course (two or three semesters, depending on the curriculum of each degree program).

Those who, following the initial placement test, demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to a full B2 level (B2.4 achieved) are exempt from the course and can register their proficiency in the next available session. Similarly, those who attend the course and achieve a full B2 level can register their proficiency before the language course is fully completed. Valid international B2-level certifications (with a validity period of 2 years) and high school diplomas (maturità) from the educational system of the country where the relevant language is spoken also qualify for exemption.

Business English and Professional Development – Degree Programs in Administration, Finance, and Control; Marketing (in Italian)

The Business English and Professional Development course is a mandatory language course lasting one semester (the first semester of the first year). It leads to the attainment of a final proficiency certificate, a language proficiency level, and the earning of university credits.

There are no exemptions, whether through certifications or external courses. Earning the proficiency certificate is contingent upon passing the end-of-semester assessment. Classroom participation and any assessments the instructor may choose to give during lessons also factor into the evaluation.

Mandatory Language - Degree Programs in Corporate Finance; Data Science and Management; Management; Marketing (in English and Digital); Strategic Management (in English and Digital)

The mandatory language courses (second semester of the first year) last one semester and lead to a final proficiency assessment, a language proficiency level, and the earning of university credits.

There are no exemptions, whether through certifications or external courses. Earning proficiency is contingent upon a positive outcome at the end of the semester. Classroom participation and any assessments the instructor may give during lessons at their discretion also factor into the evaluation.

Optional language courses (elective)

Optional language courses are held on Saturday mornings. The duration of the courses varies depending on the student's degree program.

At the end of each semester of the course, students take a test to assess their written and oral skills. Passing this test means you've completed the current level and can move on to the next language level. However, failing the test means the student does not advance to the next level and must repeat the module in the following semester. Classroom participation and any assessments the instructor may choose to give during lessons also factor into the evaluation.

Eligibility can be recognized if, upon completion of all course semesters, a progression in level is demonstrated. Although there is no minimum exit level, proficiency cannot be recognized based solely on previously passed semesters. To achieve language proficiency, you must pass a final exam at the end of the entire course (two or three semesters, depending on the curriculum of each degree program).

Students enrolled in three-year degree programs and single-cycle programs (Law) who, following the initial placement test, demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to a full B2 level (B2.4 achieved), are exempt from the course and can register their proficiency during the first available exam session. Similarly, students who attend the course and achieve a full B2 level can register their proficiency before the language course is fully completed. Valid international B2-level certifications (with a validity period of 2 years) and high school diplomas (maturità) from the educational system of the country where the relevant language is spoken also grant exemption.

There are no exemptions for optional languages in master's degree programs.