ENGLISH LANGUAGE

The course consists of a module held in the second semester and year round language practice ('lettorato') closely integrated with the module and co-ordinated by the professor. It is one of the foundation courses in the three year BA course in Languages, Cultures, and Linguistic Sciences.The general aim is to consolidate the metalingusitic competences needed to describe the language and to achieve an operational competence of B2+ on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). The main focus is on providing the instruments to recognize and describe the phonemes of English, and the soprasegmental mecchanisms of English, using the International Phonetic Alphabet.

With reference to the Dublin Descriptors, Student learning outcomes (SLOs) are:
1 Knowledge and understanding of phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, and pragmatics; the ability to understand complex academic texts; awareness of linguistic registers; familiarity with the International Phonetic Alphabet and the suprasegmental mechanisms of English.
2 Applying knowledge and understanding: the ability to understand lengthy academic texts, written and oral, appropriate to the context of the course of study. The metalinguistic awareness acquired through the module should facilitate language learning in an academic context.
3 Making judgements: interpreting and synthesizing complex texts in English in an efficient and personal way.
4 Communication skills: Level B2+ of the CEFR, for receptive skills, written production, oral production and oral interaction. Students should be able to express themselves clearly, in a structured way, and with few errors.
5 Learning skills: understanding academic texts and the ability to paraphrase them; note-taking while listening and the ability to summarize texts after listening

Level B2 of the CEFR and an interest for the scientific study of language with the analytical tools of contemporary linguistics

Modulo (in lingua inglese): The Sound System of English
Elements of acoustic Phonetics
Articulatory phonetics and the IPA
Categorical perception, Voice Onset Time, Context Effects, Multimodal Integration
Consonants
Vowels
Diphthongs and triphthongs
Stress
Syllables
Weak forms and tonic stress
Stress timing
Connected speech phenomena
Intonation
Variation in the sound system
Sociolinguistic variation: gender differences
Historical Aspects of the English Language
The Pragmatics–Phonology Interface

Practica
- summaries and paraphrases;
- listening comprehension, spoken production practice;
- general B2 level integrated skills

Module: The Sound System of English
Peter Roach, English Phonetics and Phonology, Cambridge University Press (3rd or 4th edition), 2009.


Language Practice Classes/Lettorato
Sarah Philpot and Lesley Curnick: Headway Academic Skills: Reading, writing and study skills - Level 3, Oxford. ISBN: 9780194741613
Christina Latham-Koenig, Clive Oxenden, and Jerry Lambert: English File Advanced (with key and downloadable ebook) ISBN: 9780194502184

Assessment

The exam is structured in two parts as follows:

1. Module (30 points)
a. Transcription of individual words into the IPA;
b. Transcription of a brief text from the IPA into English
c. Short answers to theory questions

2 Integrated reading and writing tests at level B2+
a. Synthesis (c. 200 words) of an extract from a lecture
b. Paraphrase (c. 200 words) of a written text (appropriate for the student’s chosen study plan);
c. Free standing writing activity (c. 250 words).


Oral skills will be tested during the course, and will be used to provide a bonus mark of 1 to 3 points which will be added to the final mark of the written exam (if passed).

The mark given for the module can be kept for one following exam session, within the same academic year.

COVID 19 Emergency
The exam will be held on line. As a result there will be changes to the contents and means of administration. However, the aim is to test the same knowledge and competences as the traditional exam. For more information, please consult the notices page https://apps.unive.it/avvisi/ and the moodle platform.

Module
Frontal. Lecture notes (powerpoints, worksheets, and additional learning material) will be made available on the class moodle platform.
Language Practice Classes ("lettorato")
E1: Language practice with the whole group
E2: Language practice in small groups focussing on oral and writing skills

Italian

Support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments:

Ca Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with
mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

Please check Prof. Bencini's home page for notices, office hours, and any further information about the course.

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development