OVERVIEW

The course includes a 30-hour module on Spanish Sociolinguistics and 120 hours of language practice, divided into three blocks:

• 40 hours: Analysis and production of specialized texts (technical-scientific, business, tourism, legal, etc.).
• 40 hours: Academic and institutional language.
• 40 hours: Clear language, rich language, and documentation (corpora and methodology).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, the student will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in the sociolinguistics of the Spanish language, also thanks to the support of courses taught by language instructors, aimed at the practical learning of the language at a specialized level.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of the main aspects of sociolinguistics, linguistic variation, and language contact. Particular focus on the classical literature of Spanish sociolinguistics and current interdisciplinary developments. Ability to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired through the analysis of different textual typology.

Ability to analyze and produce specialized texts of different types, knowledge of academic and institutional language, and inclusive language. 

PREREQUISITES

 C1 CEFR 

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical and practical lessons in Spanish.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Linguistic module:

Variation in language levels
Sociolinguistic variation
Linguistic varieties
Communicative interaction and politeness
Discourse and conversation
Linguistic attitudes
The coexistence of languages and societies

The course therefore places particular emphasis on the sociolinguistic and pragmatic dimensions of Spanish in America, as well as its historical, cultural, social, and economic realities.

Practical module

Over the course of 120 hours of practical training, the following topics will be covered:

• Analysis and production of specialized texts (technical-scientific, business, tourism, legal, etc.).

• Academic and institutional language.

• Clear and rich language, along with proper documentation.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Blas Arroyo, José Luis (ed.), Estudios sobre lengua y sociedad, Castellón, Universitat Jaume I, 200

- Blas Arroyo, José. Luis, Sociolingüística del español. Desarrollos y perspectiva en el estudio de la lengua en contexto social, Madrid, Cátedra, 2005.
- Labov, William, Modelos sociolinguísticos, Madrid, Cátedra, 1983

- Lipsky, John, El español de América, Madrid, Cátedra, 2005
- López Morales, Humberto, Sociolingüística, Madrid, Gredos, 1989 [1ª ed.].

- López Morales, Humberto, La aventura del español en América, Madrid, Espasa Calpe, 2005

Further bibliographical information will be provided during the course

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA SANFELICI (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Linguistic module: second semester

Practical module: both semesters

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Linguistic module:

For attending students (70% of classes): ongoing assessment through research conducted during the course and presentations.
For non-attending students: one question on each of the following topics:

Variation in language levels
Sociolinguistic variation
Linguistic varieties
Communicative interaction and politeness
Discourse and conversation
Linguistic attitudes
The coexistence of languages and societies

Practical module:

Written exam including the three parts of the practical module

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final grade will be expressed in thirtieths. Excellent or very good evaluations will be given for exams in which the student demonstrates not only declarative knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of the course, but also the acquisition of the methodology necessary for the linguistic analysis of material. Sufficient evaluations will be given for exams where the student demonstrates only possession of declarative knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of the course.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have officially submitted certification for a disability, Specific Learning Disorder (DSA), or other special educational needs are advised to contact both the designated representative, Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it), and the course instructor at the beginning of the semester. This will allow for the arrangement of teaching and exam methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning styles into account and provide appropriate compensatory tools.