ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1

MODULE FOR STUDENTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICS CURRICULUM (SURNAMES A TO L)

The course consists of a module held in the second semester and a year-round language practice lab (“esercitazioni”), which is closely integrated with the module and coordinated by the professor. The general aim is to consolidate the metalinguistic competences required to describe the English language and to achieve an operational competence of B2+ on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). The main focus is on providing the tools to analyse and understand the meaning and the function of the words in both written and oral texts, as well their use in context.

The expected learning outcomes are assessed in a structured exam at the end of the course.

The course aims to develop the linguistic competence necessary to communicate effectively in both everyday situations and academic contexts, to understand and produce complex texts, and to use language learning tools independently. The objective is to consolidate students' upper-intermediate level in all four language skills.

In relation to the Dublin descriptors, the expected learning outcomes are:
1. Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of semantic and pragmatic word analysis in relation to context and text type, as well as the ability to recognise and correctly use different linguistic registers. The course deepens the morphological, syntactic, lexical, and pragmatic aspects of the English language, fostering comprehension and analysis of complex texts, even when they contain implicit meanings.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The ability to employ linguistic, semantic, and pragmatic knowledge to comprehend and produce written and oral texts appropriate for academic and specialised contexts. The solid metalinguistic competence acquired allows for a more conscious approach to language learning and the development of effective strategies for text comprehension and production.

3. Autonomy of Judgement
The ability to critically analyse and summarise complex texts in English, reworking them in a personal and effective manner. Students will apply their linguistic and analytical knowledge with awareness to interpret texts produced in everyday, academic, and specialised contexts.

4. Communication skills
Attainment of an upper-intermediate level in the four skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, speaking, and interaction). Students will be expected to describe the linguistic aspects covered in the course, expressing themselves clearly and in a well-structured manner with minimal errors.

5. Learning skills
Development of autonomy in the comprehension and production of oral and written texts across various contexts and text types. The ability to select and use bibliographic and digital resources for independent learning. Students will learn to take notes during listening activities, summarise texts, and self-assess their linguistic and metalinguistic progress.

B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
A certain level of autonomy in the study method and a solid cultural background will facilitate and foster the acquisition of the topics covered in the module.

Module: “The English word: meaning and function”
The Professor’s module (in English) will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to semantics
- Introduction to pragmatics
- Introduction to discourse analysis

Language practice labs (Lettorato):
- Developing comprehension skills for oral and written texts
- Learning to synthesise and paraphrase academic texts
- Consolidation of overall level of B2 of the CEFR

Professor’s module:
Slides, documents, and lecture notes that will be available on the Moodle page during the course (https://moodle.unive.it - the access key will be provided at the beginning of the course).

Recommended textbook:
Mullany, L. & Stockwell, P. (2015). Introducing English Language: A resource book for students. 2nd edition. London/New York: Routledge.
The mandatory chapters to study from the textbook will be indicated at the beginning of the course and made available on the Moodle page.

Suggested readings:
Biber, D., Conrad, S., Leech, G. (2002). Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Harlow: Longman.
Yule, G. (2020/2022). The Study of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Monolingual dictionaries (printed or online versions, listed in alphabetic order):
Collins Cobuild Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.
MacMillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Language practice labs (Lettorato):
- Foley, Mark, and Hall, Diane (2012). MyGrammarLab. Advanced C1/C2. With Key. Pearson (ISBN: 978-1-40-829911-1).
- Jeffries, Amanda, Lansford, Lewis, and Barber, Daniel. Perspectives. Advanced Level. National Geographic Learning, Cengage. Student’s Book (ISBN 978-1-337-27719-8) + Workbook (ISBN: 978-1-337-62713-9 / 978-1-337-29873-5).

The exam is structured in two parts as follows:

1. Module test (25 minutes):
This written test will focus on the topics covered during the course and will include the following question types:
- Short answer questions
- Open-ended questions
- Multiple choice questions
Each question will be assigned a number of points, totalling 30 points.
Further details and exam practice will be provided throughout the course.

2. Integrated test of academic reading and writing at level B2+:
- Comprehension of an extract from a text read aloud (20 minutes)
- Paraphrase (c. 200 words) of a written text (20 minutes)
- Free-standing writing activity (c. 250 words) (50 minutes)

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

The final mark will be the average of the module mark and the lettorato mark.
The mark for the module remains valid for the following exam session within the same academic year.

written and oral

The English Language 1 course (12 credits) is divided into two parts:
- Theoretical module (Prof. Giuseppe De Bonis) – exclusively for students in the International Politics curriculum (Surnames A to L);
- Language practice labs in small groups to consolidate B2-level competence in both spoken and written language, with the CEL (native speakers).

The course uses both traditional teaching methods and multimedia resources, with the active participation of students in the activities proposed during the lessons, guided by the Professor. These activities will be performed individually, in pairs, or in small groups.

English

- The theoretical module, which starts in the second semester, will be taught in English.
- Teaching material for the module will be available on the Moodle platform (password provided upon request via email).
- Language practice with the CEL will start in the first semester and will continue in the second semester.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development