OVERVIEW

The course Language, Culture and Institutions of English-speaking Countries II aims to develop communicative competence in English at a level corresponding to at least B2+ of the CEFR.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to consolidate English language skills (exit level B2+) and to enhance students’ abilities in discourse analysis in political, diplomatic, and economic contexts, with a focus on the tools and communicative strategies typical of specialized language.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

From a linguistic perspective, the course Language, Culture and Institutions of English-speaking Countries II aims to equip students with solid communicative competence in English, corresponding to at least a B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The module is designed to consolidate the skills acquired in the previous exam and to introduce students to the analysis of specialized discourse in the domains of politics, diplomacy, and economics.

By the end of the course, students should be able to identify and apply the main tools of discourse analysis to a variety of texts, with particular attention to features such as modality, agency, lexical and grammatical evaluation, rhetorical strategies, identity construction, intertextuality, ideological positioning, inclusion and exclusion, frame analysis, presupposition, and the construction of consensus.

PREREQUISITES

Having acquired at least a B2 level of linguistic competence

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and group discussions aimed at promoting the use of English and critical analytical skills.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course aims to develop students’ ability to understand and interpret complex and authentic texts—such as political speeches, official statements, press articles, interviews, and institutional documents—by employing the tools of discourse analysis. Particular attention will be given to linguistic and discursive phenomena such as modality (expressions of possibility, necessity, obligation, intention), agency (attribution or concealment of responsibility), lexical and grammatical evaluation (expression of attitudes and judgments), and key rhetorical strategies (for example, the use of pathos, ethos, logos, repetition, metaphors, and rhetorical questions).

The course will also explore how texts contribute to the construction of individual and collective identity through mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion, us/them oppositions, the use of the first person, and representations of leadership roles. Additionally, it will analyze intertextuality, ideological alignment, the use of linguistic and conceptual frames, implicit presuppositions, and techniques for building consensus within texts. The objective is to provide students not only with tools for comprehension but also with the ability to critically and consciously produce discourse in English, enabling them to actively participate in debates and discussions on topics related to political and diplomatic communication at the international level.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The material will be uploaded on Teams and Aulaweb. Any reference texts will be provided at the beginning of the academic year

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will start in mid-September 2024

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of two components: a written paper and an oral interview.

The written component requires students to produce a short argumentative essay in English on one of the topics covered during the course. The aim of this task is to assess students’ ability to structure a coherent and cohesive text, to use appropriate specialised vocabulary, and to express critical thinking in written English.

The oral component consists of an individual interview lasting approximately 15 minutes. It will be conducted in English and will cover the main topics discussed in class. Students will be expected to engage in reflective conversation based on the texts and materials analysed during the course, including classroom exercises and assigned readings. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate students’ understanding of course content, their ability to apply discourse analysis tools, and their active language skills.

Non-attending students
Non-attending students are required to take the same written and oral exams. They must prepare independently using the materials listed in the official course bibliography. It is strongly recommended that they contact the instructor during office hours for guidance regarding the exam content and the essay requirements.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The teacher communicates with the students through the available platforms, Aulaweb and Teams.

Students with disabilities or other special educational needs are advised to contact both the Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it), and the lecturer at the beginning of the course, to agree on the teaching methods and examinations that, in compliance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.