OVERVIEW

This module includes an introduction to English phonetics and phonology and a practical English language course at the B2.1 level.

AIMS AND CONTENT

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

At the end of the module students will be able to:

- describe English vowels, diphthongs, triphthongs, consonants,

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

- distinguish English strong and weak syllables and weak forms,

- place stress in simple and complex words,

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

- reproducce the form and functions of intonation.

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").

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 (grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and writing) and an oral exam. The linguistics module is assessed through a written exam paper at the end of the first semester.

The linguistics module is an introduction to English phonetics and phonology. The practical language module aims 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. Bagli's webpage on Aulaweb from September.

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. 2012 (4th 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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO BAGLI (President)

ILARIA RIZZATO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons start during the week of October, 2nd 2023.

The schedule of the lectures may be found here: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

ENGLISH LANGUAGE I B

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The linguistics module is assessed through a written paper . There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. Students can choose only one sitting per session and can't repeat a failed exam in the same session. The time allotted for each sitting is 40 minutes. For a student to pass the exam, they need to be successful in at least the first half of the exam, which consists of: vowel and consonant descriptions, phonemic transcription, conversion of words written from phonemic transcription to current alphabet; the completion of utterances with strong or weak forms. The words in the exam wii be randomly chosen from a list (the "word list"), which will be made available at the beginning of the semester. The second part of the exam focuses on: phonetic transcription, syllabic analysis of monosyllabic words; syllable division; feet analyses; identification of tonic syllables of an utterance; three open questions on the program. 

The practical module is assessed through a written paper and an oral exam. There are two sittings in the Summer and Autumn sessions and one sitting in the Winter session. When a session has two sittings, students can choose only one sitting per session and can't repeat a failed exam in the same session.

The final mark is the result of a weighted average of the distinct components, following the percentages in the next section. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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 (grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading and writing) and an oral exam.

The linguistics module is assessed through a written paper. There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. Students can choose only one sitting per session and can't repeat a failed exam in the same session. 

The practical module is assessed through a written paper and an oral exam. There are two sittings in the Summer and Autumn sessions and one sitting in the Winter session. When a session has two sittings, students can choose only one sitting per session and can't repeat a failed exam in the same session. 

The final mark is calculated as follows:

35% (of the overall mark) is the written practical part (70% of which a the computer-based test assessing grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading, and 30% of which is the writing task),

15% (of the overall mark) is the oral practical part,

50% (of the overall mark) is the linguistics component.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The theoretical module in linguistics will be over in the first semester, while the "esercitazioni" module will last through the second semester. 

Attendance is NOT compulsory but highly recommended for both modules. There is no different program for students who do not attend the course. Learning is more efficient if participation to class is engaged more actively. 

Special Needs Students should get in touch with prof. Sara Dickinson, who is in charge of coordinating Special Needs students for the Department of Modern Languages. Furthermore, students with any type of Special Need are encouraged to get in touch with prof. Bagli, in case they have specific teaching requirements.