CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH

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

1.       knowledge and understanding

Students know the origins, development and contemporary complexities of the English language at  the C2 level (CEFRL), focusing specifically on morphology, grammar, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. They critically and deeply know problems relating to translation theory and practice, particularly literary translation, both  from English into Italian, and from Italian into English

2.       applying knowledge and understanding

Students are able to apply the linguistic and cultural knowledge acquired to analyse, linguistically and meta linguistically, complex texts diachronically characterised and to translate them. They are able to produce and understand complex written and oral texts on philosophical, literary and linguistic topics and to interact with L1 and L2 speakers on a variety of subjects within their field of interest. They are able to use relevant sources and authentic material to the purpose of argumentation

 

 

making judgements

Drawing on the acquired knowledge and skills students develop the ability to interpret linguistic and cultural elements in a diachronically connoted text to reflect autonomously and argument on them. As a consequence, they are able to judge and opt for a suitable translation strategy when required.

 

3.       Communication skills

The level of linguistic competence students are expected to achieve by the end of the course is C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

 

4.       learning skills

Self-assessment of the acquired language skills; awareness of one's own learning needs and goals; ability to understand and interpret a text in English for professional growth; ability to express thoughts in English in different contexts and for different communicative purposes; ability to use varied sources of information.

Lectures and language practice classes.

The course is entirely taught in English.

Changes to the programme and to the course structure might be considered in case of online teaching

The course is composed of two modules

Module 1

The first module will be devoted to the evolution of the English language from Old English to Contemporary English including recent issues related to metrolingualism and Urban English, not only from a theoretical and methodological perspective but also by examining authentic material.

Module 2

The second module will investigate theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of translation, also in a diachronic perspective. The module has a twofold aim: on the one hand strengthening the translation strategies students acquired during their MA first year course through practice, on the other widening the students’ knowledge with reference to the history of Translation Studies. Students will work, both on English to Italian and on Italian to English translation.

Language instruction

Students will also attend language classes as they constitute a fundamental part of the course.

Van Gelderen, Elly, A History of the English language. Revised edition, John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam/Philadelphia, 2014, pp.1-338

 

Otsuji, Emi and Pennycook, Alastair (2010) 'Metrolingualism: fixity, fluidity and language in flux', International Journal of Multilingualism, 7: 3, 240-254, First published on: 24 December 2009 (iFirst)

To link to this Article: URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14790710903414331

 

Bassnett, S. Translation, Routledge, 2014 pp. 1- 201 (in full)

 

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All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.