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 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). Classes for this module will be online. 

The practical module is made up of weekly classes (5 hours a week over 20 weeks, i.e. 10 weeks per semester). Classes for this module will be online in the first semester. Should the Covid-19 pandemic be under control by then, in presence classes will be held in the second semester instead. 

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"). 

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 deatiled syllabus can be found in the Aulaweb course)

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 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

Theoretical module. 

1) Cruse A., 2011, Meaning in Language, OUP: Oxford; pp. 28-29, 42-43, 364-377 , 401-407 , 414-424, 426-432; ("Theoretical Module_References" folder on Aulaweb)

2) Cutting J., 2008, Pragmatics and Discourse, Routledge: London & NY; Sections: pp. 1-54+55-76 ("Theoretical Module_References" folder on Aulaweb)

3) Douthwaite J., 1991, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Sei: Torino; Only Chapter 2: “Sociolinguistic Aspects of Language and Language Teaching” ("Theoretical Module_References" folder on Aulaweb)

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

Practical module: Reading & Comprehension+Use of English

Outcomes advanced student's book (2nd Edition): https://www.cengage.com.br/ngl/outcomes/

Practical module: Listening + Writing

- Newspaper articles (provided by the teacher) are read and discussed during the lessons. Every two weeks students are invited to write a composition at home, which is collected and corrected by the teacher.

- The listening material is either texts read by the teacher or recorded material on CDs. Further links to listening materials will be provided on Denys Jones's Aulaweb.