OVERVIEW

The course introduces the students to the cognitivist and constructionalist perpectives of linguistic phenomena of English. Linguistics and Construction Grammar. Attention will be also devoted to contrast the English-Italian language pair. 

The course is flanked by a practical English language module ("esercitazioni") 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 illustrate to students the cognitivist and constructivist approach to English language phenomena. In this way, students will be able to identify the close correlation between linguistic constructions, conceptual structures and human experience, also in contrast to the Italian language.

The course is supported by language practice aimed at bringing students to a level of English language proficiency equal to level C1.2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

PREREQUISITES

Attainment of “Lingua Inglese I” (code 55920). 

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"). 

N.B.: The theoretical module includes lectures given by the professor and seminar activities. Lectures will be held exclusively in the classroom, but students are required to work outside of class times as well. Seminars requires the active participation of students, who must engage in individual and/or group research projects and in-class presentations to their peers.

The practical module consists of face-to-face classes (4 hours per week for 20 weeks) in the first and second semester.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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

The course aims to:

• provide students with basic theoretical and methodological knowledge in the field of Cognitive Linguistics and Construction Grammar;

• lead students to learn how to apply cognitivist principles to the study and analysis of the English language;

• apply Cognitive Linguistics and Construction Grammar, and contrast the English-Italian language pair;

• arise students’ awareness of the relationship between linguistic structure, conceptual structure, and the nature of the embodied human experience in  the English-Italian language pair;

• 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:

KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING:

• master the basic theoretical principles of Cognitive Linguistics and Construction Grammar;

• identify the close relationship between language and thought;

• identify similarities and differences between the English and Italian languages.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE & MAKING JUDGEMENTS:

• apply the models and principles of Cognitive Linguistics to the analysis of several phenomena of the English language;

• conduct research of selected linguistic phenomena;

• identify and apply the tenets of Cognitive Linguistics to the English-Italian language contrast.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• discuss in class personal opinions and ideas with clarity and effectiveness based on the assumptions of Cognitive Linguistics ;

• deliver presentations on a range of topics in Cognitive Linguistics to peers during classes.

LEARNING SKILLS:

• analyse English data mainly related to morpho-syntax, lexis, and pragmatics;

• develop learning and reflection skills in the field of Cognitive Linguistics and its applications.

The practical module focuses on the development of the four skills needed to develop a proficiency in the English language equivalent to level C2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At the same time, students are expected to develop communicative competence by demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of topics related to American civilisation (see texts in the bibliography).

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

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theoretical Module:

Materials will be uploaded on AulaWeb (https://ict.unige.it/aulaweb).

Practical Module:

A.A. V.V. 2021. Roadmap: C1/C2. London: Pearson. 

Mauk, David, et al. 2022. American Civilization: An Introduction. London: Routledge.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 2026.

Class schedule

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Each component ("theoretical module" and " practical language module") is assessed separately.

The final exam of the theoretical module is assessed through a written exam paper, which includes open questions and exercises, at the end of the first semester. 

N.B.:

Assessment for attending students is calculated on the basis of both active participation in the lessons and seminar activities (50%) and the final exam (50%). This type of monitored attendance gives access to intermediate evaluations during the course and to a shorter final examination.

For non-attending students, the assessment is entirely calculated on the basis of the final exam, which will contain further questions on readings and activities chosen by the professor.

There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. 

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (summary + use of English) and an oral interview.  There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment for attending students is calculated on the basis of both active participation in the lessons and seminar activities (50%) and the final exam (50%). This type of monitored attendance gives access to intermediate evaluations during the course and to a shorter final examination.

For non-attending students, the assessment is entirely calculated on the basis of the final exam, which will contain further questions on readings and activities chosen by with the professor.

There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. 

The final mark is calculated as follows:

50% (of the overall mark) is the theoretical module.

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

Special needs students should contact Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it).