OVERVIEW

The course addresses the complexity of the English syntax and its syntax-semantics interface, also contrastively with the Italian language, through the analysis and translation of a range of text types and genres.

The course is flanked by a practical English language module ("esercitazioni")  aiming to develop students’ practical competence at the B2.2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

AIMS AND CONTENT

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

N.B.: The theoretical module includes lectures given by the professor and seminar activities. Lectures will be held exclusively in the classroom, but students are required to work outside of class times as well. Seminars requires the active participation of students, who must engage in individual and/or group research projects and in-class presentations to their peers.  

The theoretical 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 language module ("Esercitazioni"). 

The theoretical module deals with the study of English syntax and its complexity, also in its contrastive and translational aspects with Italian. Applying recent methodologies and theoretical approaches, including those from “constructional grammar”, the module addresses complex phenomena of English syntax and the syntax-semantics interface through the analysis and translation of a variety of text types and genres with the aim of understanding how these complexities stratify, contributing to the construction of meaning, and how they manifest themselves in the two cultures of English and Italian.

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

• Hilpert, Martin. 2014.Construction Grammar and its Application to English. Edinburgh University Press (selected chapters will be specified in AulaWeb)

• Hatim, Basil & Munday, Jeremy. Translation. An Advanced Resource Book. London: Routledge (selected chapters will be specified in AulaWeb)

Further material will be available on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 2025.

Class schedule

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION II

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The theoretical module is assessed through a written exam paper, which includes open questions and exercises. 

For students who decide to attend classes, attendance is compulsory for 75% of the lessons (i.e. 28 out of 36 hours). Attendance is monitored through the signature system at the beginning and end of the lectures. 
Attendance is strongly recommended. Students who decide not to attend the lectures must supplement the course programme with additional readings chosen by the professor, which will be subject to written verification at the final examination.

The practical part is assessed through a written test ((Translation Eng-Ita + Translation Ita-Eng; interpreting) ) and an oral interview.    

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The theoretical module is assessed through a written paper, which includes open questions and exercises. There are two sittings in each of the three exam sessions. Students can choose only one sitting per session and cannot repeat a failed exam in the same session. 

For students who decide to attend classes, attendance is compulsory for 75% of the lessons (i.e. 28 out of 36 hours). Attendance is monitored through the signature system at the beginning and end of the lectures. 
Attendance is strongly recommended. Students who decide not to attend the lectures must supplement the course programme with additional readings chosen by the professor, which will be subject to written verification at the final examination.

N.B.:

Assessment for attending is calculated on the basis of both active participation in the lessons and seminar activities (50%) and the final exam (50%).

For non-attending students, the assessment is entirely calculated on the basis of the final exam, which will contain further questions on readings and activities chosen by the professor.

The practical module is assessed through a written test (Translation Eng-Ita + Translation Ita-Eng; interpreting) and an oral interview. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Strongly recommended:  enrol on the course on Aulaweb in mid-September.

Special needs students should contact Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it).