LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module will focus on developing students’ scientific knowledge of the English language. Students will learn how to describe key phonological/phonetic, morphological and lexical structures of the English Language. This module also includes a practical part aiming to develop students’ practical knowledge of English at level B2 as well as introducing them to translation.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module aims to

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

- develop students' analytical skills;

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

- introduce students to translation practice from and into Italian also by means of text analysis. 

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of English at least at level B1 and knowledge of Italian at least at level B2.

TEACHING METHODS

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

Attendance of the practical module is compulsory. Attendance of the linguistics module is not compulsory but strongly recommended.

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 a two-semester practical language module ("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 test. The linguistics module is assessed through a written test at the end of the first semester.

The linguistics module is an introduction to English phonetics and phonology.

The linguistics module aims to enable students to

- to learn to describe English vowels, diphthongs, triphthongs, consonants,

- to learn to transcribe English words using the IPA (International Phonetics Alphabet),

- to learn about English strong and weak syllables and weak forms,

- to learn about stress in simple and complex words,

- to learn about the structure of suprasegmental units (syllables, feet, tonic structure),

- to learn about the form and functions of intonation,

- analyse derived words and compounds,

- categorize words into open and closed classes.

The practical module introduces students to translation practice from and into Italian and text analysis as well as developing their writing and speaking skills at level B2.

The syllabus for theory module attenders and non-attenders is the same.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ballard, Kim. 2007 (2nd ed.). The Frameworks of English: Introducing Language Structures. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan. [Chapters 2 and 3]

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]

Pronunciation dictionaries (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.