OVERVIEW

The theoretical part of course is an introduction to pragmatics and text analysis. It is meant to support students in the study of English linguistics they began in the first and second year and to support them into developing their communicative competence at advanced level. The practical part of the course is meant to support students in reaching level C1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The theory part aims to support students in developing:

- an understanding of the main theoretical frameworks of modern pragmatics. 

- their analytical, critical and thinking skills.

- the ability to perform basic pragmatic analyses of texts. 

The practice part aims to bring students to the C1.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

PREREQUISITES

English Language 1 and English Language 2, namely a solid knowledge of the phonology, morphology and syntax of the English Language, as well as a B2.2 level of English in the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) according the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

TEACHING METHODS

The linguistics module is made up of weekly lectures (3 hours a week over 10 weeks in the first semester).

The practical module is made up of weekly classes (5 hours a week over 20 weeks, i.e. 10 weeks per semester).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

English Language III is divided into two parts: a one-semester linguistics module ("modulo teorico"), which is held in the first semester and is described in more detail below, and a two-semester practical module ("modulo pratico" or "esercitazioni" o "lettorato"). 

Each component ("modulo pratico" and "modulo teorico") is assessed separately. The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (Use of English, Reading and Comprehension, Listening and Comprehension, Writing) and an oral exam. The linguistics module is assessed through an oral exam at the end of the first semester. 

The linguistics module ("modulo teorico") is an introduction to pragmatics and text analysis. Topics to be discussed include: Context, Cohesion and Coherence, Speech Act Theory, The Cooperative Principle, Politeness, Conversation Analysis, Relevance Theory.

The practical language module aims to bring students to the C1.1 level (lower end of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages C1 level). More information about the practical component is available on Dr. Zurru’s webpage on the Lingue website and on Aulaweb. 

The final mark is calculated as follows:

50% (of the overall mark) is the written + oral practical part (35% of which is the written part and 15% of which is the oral part),
50% (of the overall mark) is the theory part.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1) Cruse A., 2011, Meaning in Language, OUP: Oxford; pp. 28-29, 42-43, 364-377 , 401-407 , 414-424, 426-432; (Lingue library)

2) Cutting J., 2008, Pragmatics and Discourse, Routledge: London & NY; Sections: 1 (A-D), 2 (A-D), 3 (A-D), 4 (A-D), 5 (A-D) (Lingue library)

3) Douthwaite J., 1991, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Sei: Torino; Only Chapter 2: “Sociolinguistic Aspects of Language and Language Teaching” (Lingue library)

4) Douthwaite J., 2000, Towards a Linguistic Theory of Foregrounding, Edizioni dell’Orso: Alessandria; pp. 51, 54, 60-65, 72-74, 100; (Aulaweb)

5) Grice H. P., 1975, “Logic and Conversation”, In Syntax and Semantics, Vol. 3, Speech Acts, P. Cole & J. L. Morgan, Academic Press : NY; pp. 45–47, 49 (Aulaweb) 
 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANNALISA BAICCHI (President)

CRISTIANO BROCCIAS (President)

ELISABETTA ZURRU (President)

MARCO BAGLI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

1st October 2019.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The linguistics module is assessed through an oral exam which lasts 20 minutes. Students will be asked to answer 3 theoretical questions and to perform 2 brief pragmatic analyses of texts. The aim of the exam is to assess students' critical and thinking skills, their ability to discuss and elaborate on the pragmatic theories studied during the course and to apply them to the analysis of texts.

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (Use of English, Reading and Comprehension, Listening and Comprehension, Writing) and an oral exam. Students will be expected to have reached the C1.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) by the end of the course. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The linguistics module is assessed through an oral exam which lasts 20 minutes. Students will be expected to be able to answer 3 theoretical questions and to perform 2 brief pragmatic analyses of texts. They will need to have developed their critical and thinking skills, their ability to discuss and elaborate on the pragmatic theories studied during the course and to apply them to the analysis of texts.

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (Use of English, Reading and Comprehension, Listening and Comprehension, Writing) and an oral exam. Students will be expected to have reached the C1.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) by the end of the course.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is not obligatory BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Signing up for the written exams (Lettorato scritto) and the oral exams (Lettorato orale and/or Modulo Teorico) is OBLIGATORY. Failure to do so in time will result in the automatic exclusion from exams.

English Language III can be attended by all 3rd year students enrolled on the LCM (Lingue e Culture Moderne) course and by Erasmus students. Erasmus students are invited to see Dr. Zurru during her office hours as soon as they arrive.