OVERVIEW

Classes make up a total of 36 hours, half of which are devoted to strengthening the competence acquired during the previous year. The other half is more specifically devoted to the comprehension of video lectures covering topics related to communication strategy, and to the reading of texts concerning the role of museums in the 21st century. These additional materials will be made available or linked on AulaWeb, for use by attending as well as non-attending students.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims at increasing the skills and competence in English acquired at the first level.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The core objective is to strengthen the students’ knowledge of the English language, and more specifically to reach the Upper Intermediate level (B2 according to the CEFR, or Common European Reference Framework for Languages). Students are expected to achieve the ability to work in different professional or academic contexts, allowing interaction with native speakers without strain for either party. Through exercises in both aural and written comprehension, the course more specifically aims at stimulating discussion and an ability to express one’s opinions relative to familiar contexts (communication, topical subjects), despite a relatively limited vocabulary.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of traditional lectures and tutorials.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will centre around several contemporary art journals as well as the writings of notable art historians such as Hal Foster and Rosalind Krauss (see reading list). Students will develop their English language skills to an advanced level by analyzing texts and writing their own work in response to them. They will be encouraged to work together on group projects and to develop skills in critical reading and analysis through of English-language texts in a variety of different media.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hal Foster. The Art-Architecture Complex (London: Verso, 2011)

Rosalind Krauss. ‘The Originality of the Avant-Garde’, in The Originality of the Avant-Garde and Other Myths (London: MIT Press, 1986); available online at:

http://web.mit.edu/allanmc/www/kraussoriginality.pdf

- students may also find it helpful to consult publications such as Frieze magazine and the online Hyperallergic (hyperallergic.com)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA PARODI (President)

GABRIELLA PETTI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

March

Class schedule

ENGLISH LANGUAGE II

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

1. Portfolio of reviews of contemporary art or visual culture
2. Essay (2000 words) on a topic of student’s choosing, to be discussed with course tutor in advance

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Class participation and group presentations in class

Exam schedule