OVERVIEW

This module includes an introduction to English phonetics and phonology, word formation and lexis addressed from a cognitive and usage-based constructional approach, and a practical English language course at the B2.2 level.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course focuses on English Linguistics, also from a contrastive and translation viewpoint, and places special attention to phonetics-phonology, word formation and lexis from a cognitive and usage-based constructional approach. It also aims to bring students to the B2.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This module aims to:

- introduce students to the scientific study of the English language, with a special focus on English phonetics, phonology, word formation and lexicon;

- develop students’ analytical skills;

- bring students to the B2.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

PREREQUISITES

attainment of English Language and Translation I.

TEACHING METHODS

The linguistics module is made up of weekly lectures (3 hours a week over 12 weeks in the second semester).

The practical module is made up of weekly classes (4 hours a week over 20 weeks, i.e. 10 weeks per semester).

Attendance is compulsory for the Practical Module (both parts) and is not compulsory but strongly recommended for the Theory Module.

Active participation on the part of students is required across modules.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

English Language II is divided into two parts: a one-semester linguistics module ("Theory Module "), which is held in the first semester and described in more detail below, and a two-semester practical module ("Practical Module " or "esercitazioni/lettorato"). 

Each component ("Theory Module" and " Practical Module ") is assessed separately. The Practical Module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (grammar, vocabulary, listening, and writing) and an oral exam. The Theory Module is assessed through a written exam paper at the end of the first semester. 

The linguistics module ("Theory Module ") is an introduction to English phonetics-phonology, word formation and lexicon from a cognitive and usage-based constructional approach. The practical language module aims to bring students to the B2 level (CEFR). More information about the practical component will be available on the Lingue website (see Rules & Regulations, Lettorati list, etc." folder in the "documenti" folder) from September.

The linguistics module aims to enable students to learn how to identify, describe and discuss:

• the stock of English sounds and how they combine
• stress and intonation 
• pronunciation features across different varieties of English 
• morphological constructions and productivity
• inflectional morphology and word-formation patterns
• the lexicon
• the interface between morphology and phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
• contrastive and translation issues related to the levels of the English language presented during the course

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Carstairs-McCarthy, Andrew. 2018. An Introduction to English Morphology.Words and their Structure. (Second edition). Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Griffiths, Patrick. 2016. An Introduction to English Semantics and Pragmatics. (Second edition). Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Roach, Peter. 2009 (4thed.). English Phonetics and Phonology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Pronunciation dictionary:  Jones, Daniel. 2011 (18th ed.). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary (edited by Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Lecture slides (available on Aulaweb) 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANNALISA BAICCHI (President)

ILARIA RIZZATO

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The linguistics module is assessed through a written exam paper (the allotted time is 50 minutes). The exam paper is divided into two parts. The first part requires students to describe and discuss phonetic and phonological issues. In the second part, students are required to describe and discuss morphological constructions and related issues. 

The practical part is assessed through a written exam paper (grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing) and an oral exam.    

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The linguistics module is assessed through a written paper. There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. Students can choose only one sitting per session and can't repeat a failed exam in the same session. 

The practical module is assessed through a written paper and an oral exam. There are two sittings in the Summer and Autumn sessions and one sitting in the Winter session. When a session has two sittings, students can choose only one sitting per session and can't repeat a failed exam in the same session. 

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is compulsory for the Practical Module whereas it is not for the Theory Module, tough it is strongly recommended.

What is also strongly recommended is to enrol on the course on Aulaweb a couple of weeks before the course starts.