OVERVIEW

The course addresses complex semantic and pragmatic phenomena of the English language, also contrastively with Italian, in a  range of text types and genres. Such phenomena are analysed to assess how they contribute to meaning construction and how they travel across the cultural divide. 

The course includes a practical module aiming to develop the students' competence at C1 level of CEFR.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The English Language and Translation 3 course continues the theoretical introduction to English language and linguistics (also contrastively with the Italian language) and focuses on semantics and pragmatics with the aim of fostering students’ competence suitable to identify complex translation phenomena. The course includes a practical English language module at the C1 Level of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to:

• introduce the complexity of meaning construction in English and its transfer across the language divide;

• enable students to identify areas of complexity and analyse them with a view to optimal translation;

• bring students to C1 level of CEFR.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify areas of semantic and pragmatic complexity in a range of English text types and genres;

• analyse and interpret complex texts and translate them correctly;

• communicate in the written and oral modes of the English language at the the C1 level of CEFR.

PREREQUISITES

Attainment of Lingua e Traduzione II (code 61329). 

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

TEACHING METHODS

In-presence lessons.

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 second semester).

The practical module is made up of weekly classes in the second semester.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Lexicak semantics and pragmatics of Eglish are the course focus. The theoretical module addresses a range of topics aboutthe concenpt of 'meaing': for example: denotation and connotaiton, prototypicality, meaning variation and lexical/semantic relations, ontological categories, figurative langauge, illocutionnry constructions, discourse markers.

English Language III is divided into two parts: a one-semester Linguistics Module ("modulo teorico"), which is  described in more detail below, and a practical module ("modulo pratico"). 

Each component ("modulo teorico" and "modulo pratico") is assessed separately at the end of the second semester. 

The Linguistics Module ("modulo teorico") is an introduction to English semantics, pragmatics and text linguistics from a translation perspective, also contrastively with Italian.

The practical language module ("modulo pratico") aims to bring students to C1 level. 

The course aims to:

• introduce the complexity of meaning construction in English and its transfer across the language divide;

• enable students to identify areas of complexity and analyse them with a view to optimal translation;

• bring students to C1 level of CEFR.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify areas of semantic and pragmatic complexity in a range of English text types and genres;

• analyse and interpret complex texts and translate them correctly;

• communicate in the written and oral modes of the English language at the the C1 level of CEFR.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Lynn. 2010. Lexical Meaning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (capitoli 1; 2; § 3.4;  § 5.4.2;  6;  7).

Hatim, Basil & Munday, Jeremy. Translation. An Advanced Resource Book. London: Routledge.

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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 2026.

Class schedule

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION III

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The theoretical module is assessed through ongoing-evaluation an a final exam paper, which includes open questions and exercises about the topics taught during the course. 

N.B.: 

Assessment for attending is calculated based on both to their 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 final exam, which will contain further questions on readings and activities agreed on with the professor.

The practical module is assessed through a written test ((Translation Eng-Ita + Translation Ita-Eng; interpreting) ) and an interview at the end of the second semester. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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

N.B.:   Assessment for attending is calculated based on both to their 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 final exam, which will contain further questions on readings and activities chosen by the professor.

The practical module is assessed through a written test and an oral interview. There are two sittings in the summer and autumn sessions and one sitting in the winter session.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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