ENGLISH LANGUAGE

POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SYLLABUS FOR STUDENTS WITH SURNAMES BEGINNING M-Z
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.

The expected learning outcomes, with reference to the Dublin descriptors, 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. Studnets 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 subject.

Module: The Sound System of English
The following topics will be presented:

Phonetics, phonology, and the IPA
Consonants
Vowels
Diphthongs and triphthongs
Stress
Syllables
Weak forms and tonic stress
Stress timing
Connected speech phenomena
Intonation
Variation in the sound system
Ongoing change
The Phonology of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)
Historical Aspects of the English Language
The Grammar – Phonology Interface

Lettorato:

- developing comprehension skills for oral and written texts
- learning to synthesise and paraphrase short texts
- an introduction to academic writing
- consolidation of overall level of B2 on CEFR

Module
Peter Roach, English Phonetics and Phonology, Cambridge University Press, 4th edition 2009

Lettorato

English File Digital Gold 4th edition, Student’s Book and Workbook with online practice, C1. OUP, 2020. 
ISBN 9780194037891 (main textbook)

Q: Skills for Success 4 Reading and Writing SB + iQ Oxford Press
      
ISBN 9780194903950   (supplementary academic textbook)
Oxford English Grammar Course Advanced with answers with complete interactive e-book, including Pronunciation for Grammar,  CEFR: C1, C2       
ISBN 978-0-19-441493-7   (recommended grammar book) 

Assessment

The exam is structured in two parts as follows:

1. Module
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. Prove integrate di scrittura e comprensione per verificare le competenze linguistiche a livello B2+ in ambito accademico:
2 Integrated test of reading and writing 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 the following exam session, within the same academic year.

Module
Frontal. Class activities for the module will be made available on line on the professor's moodle platform and can be accessed by non attending students as well as by attendees.

Lettorato
Language practice with the whole cohort and with smaller groups focussing on oral and writing skills

Due to the Coronavirus emergency the teaching methods - and consequently the test type - are susceptible to change.

English

Please refer to Prof. Newbold's home page for notices, office hours, and further information about the course.

written and oral