LEARNING OUTCOMES

The English Language and Translation 2 course continues the theoretical introduction to English language and linguistics (also contrastively with the Italian language) and focuses on syntax and the syntax-semantics interface with the aim of fostering students’ competence suitable to identify complex translation phenomena. The course includes a practical English language module at the B2.2 Level of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course addresses some complex syntactic phenomena across the linguistic and textual systems of the English language, also contrastively with Italian, in a range of text types and genres, with a view to discussing how they contribute to meaning construction and how they travel across the cultural divide.

The course also aims  to develop students’ practical competence at B2.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The course aims to:

• introduce students to the scientific study of the English Syntax, with a special focus on the interface between syntax and semantics;

• make students aware of the similarities and differences between English and Italian syntactic and semantic aspects of the two languages;

• develop students’ analytical skills;

• bring students to the B2.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

PREREQUISITES

Competence of English at B2 level and competence of Italian at least at B2 level.

TEACHING METHODS

In-presence lessons.

• The linguistics module is made up of weekly lectures (3 hours a week over 12 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 II is divided into two parts: a one-semester Linguistics Module ("Modulo Teorico"), which is held in the first semester and described in more detail below, and a two-semester practical module ("Esercitazioni"). 

Each component ("modulo teorico" and "esercitazioni") is assessed separately. The theoretical module is assessed through a written paper, which incudes open questions and exercises, at the end of the first semester. The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written test and an interview. 

The Linguistics Module ("modulo teorico") is an introduction to English syntax from a cognitive and usage-based constructional approach. The practical language module aims to bring students to the B2.2 level (upper end of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages B2 level). 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• van Gelderen, Elly. 2010. An Introduction to the Grammar of English. (revised edition). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

• Murphy, Lynn. 2010. Lexical Meaning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, chapter 9 ("Predication: verbs, events, and states"): pp. 172-191.

• Swann, Michael. 2018. Practical English Usage. Book and Online Practice. 4th edition. Oxfrod: Oxford University Press.

• Biber, Douglas, Conrad, Susan & Leech, Geoffrey. 2012. Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English. London: Longman.

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

Further material will be available on Aulaweb.