OVERVIEW

Course title: "English Language and Cognition in Meaning Construction"

The course introduces the students to English Cognitive Linguistics.

It is flanked by a practical English language module that brings students to the C2.1 level of CEFR. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The English Language 2 course continues the theoretical introduction to English language and linguistics by placing the focus on cognitive and functional principles that motivate meaning construction. The course includes a practical English language module at the C2 Level of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to:

• lead students to a cognitive approach to the study of language;
• provide students with basic theoretical and methodological knowledge in the area of Cognitive Linguistics;
• arise students’ awareness of the relationship between linguistic structure, conceptual structure, and the nature of the embodied human experience;
• foster awareness of research methodology and prompt group discussion and presentation of some linguistic phenomena to be agreed upon with the lecturer. 

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify the close relationship between language and thought;

• assess the level of linguistic and cognitive complexity of phenomena in the English-Italian language pair;
• apply principles of cognitive linguistics to the analysis of several text types and genres;
• conduct research of selected linguistic phenomena in the light of solid and innovative theoretical and methodological approaches.

PREREQUISITES

Attainment of “Lingua Inglese I” (LM 37/38). 

TEACHING METHODS

English Language II (LM) is divided into two parts, a one-semester linguistics module ("theoretical module") and a two-semester practical module ( "esercitazioni"). 

The linguistics module ("theoretical module") is an introduction to English Cognitive Linguistics. Students are required to actively lead and participate in class discussions, also presenting readings and research assignments. 

The practical language module aims to bring students to the C2.1 (upper end of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). More information about the practical part will be available in the " Rules & Regulations, Lettorati list, etc." folder.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Il corso si terrà  in modalità  a distanza attraverso le piattaforme Teams ed Aulaweb.

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 (4 hours a week over 20 weeks, i.e. 10 weeks per semester).

Attendance is strongly recommended.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture slides and additional material will be provided on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANNALISA BAICCHI (President)

CRISTIANO BROCCIAS

LESSONS

LESSONS START

September 2020.

Class schedule

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Each component ("modulo pratico" and "modulo teorico") is assessed separately.

The linguistics module is assessed through a written exam paper, which includes open questions and exercises, at the end of the first semester. There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. Students can choose only one sitting per session and cannot repeat a failed exam in the same session.

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (grammar, vocabulary, listening, and writing). There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. Students can choose only one sitting per session and cannot repeat a failed test in the same session.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final mark is calculated as follows:

50% (of the overall mark) is the theory part.

50% (of the overall mark) is the practical part.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is strongly recommended.