OVERVIEW

The theoretical part of the English language III B course is an introduction to pragmatics and text analysis. It is meant to support students in the study of English linguistics they began in the first and second year and to support them in developing their communicative competence at an advanced level. The practical part of the course is meant to support students in reaching level C1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The theory part of the English language III B course 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

The prerequisites for the English language III B course are the followings, namely English Language I and English Language II, 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 theoretical module of the English language III B course is made up of weekly lectures (3 hours a week over 10 weeks in the first semester).

The practical module of the English language III B course is made up of weekly classes (5 hours a week over 20 weeks, i.e. 10 weeks per semester). 

Any relevant information about any change in the course structure or modality will be communicated via Aulaweb. Students are requested to frequently check their Unige email account.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

English language III B course 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 a written 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 detailed 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.

Those students who cannot attend classes will not be required to integrate the syllabus in any way: they will need to study the same syllabus as those students who can attend. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theoretical module of the English language III B course reading list. 

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  of the English language III B course:reading list for Reading & Comprehension+Use of English

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

Practical module of the English language III B course:reading list for 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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA SANTINI (President)

ELISABETTA ZURRU

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes for the English language III B course start at the beginning of the first semester for the BA course in Modern Languages and Cultures. Please check on the course Aulaweb page (search for the following code 65217 B) to learn the exact timetable for both Theoretical (term one only) and Language modules (annual classes). You can also find  precise information about the timetable and rooms on easyacademy.

Prof. Santini's theoretical module class starts at the beginning of the first semester for the BA course. Find the language module schedule and rooms on the course Aulaweb page.

Always refer back and check the Lecturer's the Aulaweb page for updates, news and class reports. 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The theoretical module of the English language III B course is assessed through a written exam which students can sit at the end of term one. Students will be asked to provide answers to theoretical questions and perform brief pragmatic analyses of texts. The aim of the exam is to assess students'

• critical and thinking skills,
• their ability to understand, discuss and elaborate on the pragmatic theories studied during the course and
• to apply those theories when analysing texts written in English.

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper featuring Use of English, Reading and Comprehension, Listening and Comprehension, Writing task and an oral exam. Students will be expected to have reached the C1.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) by the end of the course. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final grade of English Language III is calculated as follows:

• 35% practice writing,
• 15% oral,
• 50% theory module.

The grade of the written part of the Language module is calculated as follows:

• 1/3 Use of English and Reading & Comprehension +
• 1/3 listening comprehension +
• 1/3 writing.

In the case of English Language III as a third language (6 CFU, code 65257), the overall grade is calculated as follows:

• 70% written,
• 30% oral.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is not obligatory BUT STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Signing up for the written and oral exams is compulsory. Failure to do so on time will result in the automatic exclusion from exams.

The English Language III B course can be attended by all 3rd year students enrolled on the LCM undergraduate degree course with surnames L-Z and by Erasmus students. Erasmus students are strongly invited to contact Prof. Santini during her office hours or via email as soon as they arrive.

Students with any special educational need (SEN) or disability are invited to get in touch with the lecturer during her office hours or via email at the very beginning of the course, so that their specific needs can be addressed both in terms of classes and assessment. Further information about SEN and disability services at Unige can be found at the following link.