ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This is a fundamental module in an MA-level degree course which aims to develop high-level competences in the field of European languages, literatures and cultures. Within this context it sets out to provide students with the instruments they need to achieve mastery of the language, in oral production and interaction, as well as in writing skills, through a detailed and variegated study of multiple aspects of the English language today, in a perspective which may be interdisciplinary.

Together with the annual ‘lettorato’ course, the module aims to help students progress towards level C2 of the CEFR, particularly with regard to oral production and oral interaction, in a wide-ranging context of research into aspects of English today, while the activities of the lettorato will focus mainly on the acquisition of academic writing skills.

Specific objectives:

1 Knowledge and understanding of the ongoing evolution of English

2 Knowledge and understanding of the underlying course theme, ‘Aspects of English Today’, when applied to researching and making a presentation on a topic identified by the student

3 Making informed judgements in the carrying out of personal research, in choosing between sources of information, in the development of a critical but constructive attitude towards presentations made by peers, and in the ability to evaluate one’s own performances in the language learning process

4 Communication skills ranging from C1 to C2 on the CEFR, for both oral production and oral interaction, and academic writing

5 The module has a dual learning focus; it aims to help the student undertake autonomous research, through individual initiative and also by working in pairs and in groups, while at the same time offering the opportunity to consolidate the refined language skills which are needed to be able to describe and interpret the complex socio-cultural and linguistic realities of an increasingly globalized world.

Level C1 of the Common European Framework.

The module will focus on the acquisition of skills closely connected to the CEFR, especially spoken production. Whereas the lettorato will be concerned primarily with developing writing skills (academic writing), the module will offer students the chance to make multi-media presentations on topics chosen by them but which they think will be of interest to the group, and to debate these issues in class. PAIRED PRESENTATIONS are also encouraged, when students share similar research interests.

***N.B. You must choose a topic that you have not worked on in-depth before.***

The broad background area ('Aspects of English today') can include the role of English today, varieties of English, contemporary literature in English, attitudes to English, or connections between language and culture, for instance. Students will be rquired to produce short written introductions to their presentations and written overviews of a few peers' presentations.
The lettorato will focus on consolidating students' writing skills.

Since course themes will be chosen by students, there is no coursebook and no prescribed reading for the whole class. Students should present their own bibliographies and webliographies in connection with the presentations they choose to make.

For the module, students can opt for the continuous assessment programme or an end-of-course written and oral exam. In line with the learning objectives, both assessments involve making a presentation on an agreed topic relevant to the course theme, and replying to questions from the class (continuous assessment) or the professor (exam format). The student must also produce a written introduction to the presentation and a written overview of three peers' presentations. For the lettorato part of the assessment, the student will have to fulfil two writing tasks: a critical essay on a literary work by a contemporary author (1.5 hours), and a translation of a text into English, or (for international students) a free-standing essay (1.5 hours).

The final mark is the average of the module and lettorato marks. For the module, the oral component counts for 75% and the written components for 25%.

***Teaching mode: Frontal***

Following the introductory sessions, student-led seminars. All presentations will be put on Moodle.

As a result of the Covid-19 emergency teaching methods - and as a consequence test type - are susceptibe to modifications.

English

Please refer to Prof. Riggs's personal page and Moodle for notices, office hours, and further information about the course.

This programme is provisional and there could still be changes in its contents.

written and oral