LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module aims to

- introduce students to the scientific study of the English language, in particular English phonetics and phonology;

- develop students' analytical skills;

- bring students to the B2.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module aims to

- introduce students to the scientific study of the English language, in particular English phonetics and phonology;

- develop students' analytical skills;

- bring students to the B2.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of English at least at the B1 level.

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

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

English Language I 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 language module ("modulo pratico" or "esercitazioni" or "lettorato").

The linguistics module is an introduction to English phonetics and phonology. The practical module is a language course aiming to bring students to the B2.1 level (lower end of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages B2 level). More information about the practical component will be available on Prof. Rizzato’s webpage on the Lingue website and on the theoretical module Aulaweb from September.

The linguistics module topics include:

- describing English vowels, diphthongs, triphthongs, consonants,

- transcribing English words using the IPA (International Phonetics Alphabet),

- English strong and weak syllables and weak forms,

- stress in simple and complex words,

- structure of suprasegmental units (syllables, feet, tonic structure),

- forms and functions of intonation.

The programme for non-attending students is the same as the one for students who attend the course regularly.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Roach, Peter. 2009 (4th ed.). English Phonetics and Phonology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (see syllabus for details) [textbook!]

Wells, J. C. 2006. English Intonation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [Section 1.6; Chapter 3; Sections 5.13, 5.13, 5.14; these are the sections the intonation part is based on]

Pronunciation dictionaries (you need either, not both):

Jones, Daniel. 2011 (18th ed.). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary (edited by Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Wells, J. C. 2008 (3rd ed.). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary. Harlow: Pearson Longman.

Additional (OBLIGATORY) material:

Lecture slides and wordlist (available on Aulaweb by the beginning of the course)

For the practical part (i.e. lettorato/esercitazioni):

Murphy, Raymond. 2019 (5th ed.). English Grammar in Use (with Answers). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Redman, Stuart. 2012 (3rd ed.). English Vocabulary in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Also useful is:

Swan, Michael. 2016 (4th ed.). Practical English Usage. Oxford: Oxford University Press.