ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION A - L

By the end of the Course, according to the Dublin descriptors, will demonstrate:

1) Knowledge and understanding

Students know the vocabulary and the basic structures of the English language at B1+ level (CEFR), focusing on elements of segmental phonetics and phonology, morphology, grammar, syntax and semantics. They are aware of the main problems relating to translation from English to Italian, and they are familiar with the organization of dictionaries, especially monolingual ones

2) Applying knowledge and understanding

Students are able to apply the linguistic and cultural knowledge acquired to analyze linguistically and metalinguistically short texts of various types and registers and to translate them. They demonstrate the ability to produce and understand short written and oral texts on familiar matters and to interact with native / non-native speakers on a variety of subjects within their field of interest. They know how to use the dictionary

3) Making judgements

Drawing on the acquired knowledge and skills students develop the ability to interpret the linguistic and cultural elements in a text to reflect autonomously on the functioning of the English language.

4) Communication skills

The level of linguistic competence students are expected to attain by the end of the course is B1+ under the Common European Framework for Languages. 

5) Learning skills

Students develop the learning skills they need to go on with their university carreer, such as the ability to use a dictionary, manage and organize work and time for university study, take notes during lessons for their own use at a later date

The course comprises three modules: A, B and C.

A and B modules introduce the basic structures of the language.

Module A focuses on Phonetics and Phonology, also diachronically, with the aim of providing the students with practical tools to improve their language learning and competence.

Module B, also diachronically, on morphological, grammatical, syntactical and semantic analysis with reference to translation practice too.

Module C aims to the acquisition of language analysis tools within a translation practice perspective. A contrastive textual analysis will be carried out to compare L1 and L2 language frameworks. Different text types will be used as well as different registers. The module focuses also on monolingual dictionary practice and use. At the end of the module students will be able to analyse a text linguistically and metalinguistically and will be able to translate it.

Language instruction – Anglophone culture

Students will attend the language instruction classes divided in groups according to their starting levels of linguistic competence. To this end an entry test will be administered, news of which will be published at the beginning of the academic year on the departmental website and on Studium, the university’s e-learning platform. The notional starting level of linguistic competence is B1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These language instruction and Anglophone culture classes with native speaker teachers are an important part of the course.