OVERVIEW

The course deals with the complexity of linguistic-cultural mediation through an initial approach to theoretical-practical topics, linked to approaches, techniques and tools that can be used for field work.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To know and deepen the concepts of interaction and mediation from an interlinguistic and transcultural perspective. To acquire tools for analyzing and interpreting communicative processes that develop in complex social environments. To acquire the ability for (self)reflection in encounters/conflicts with people who bring linguistic, social, and cultural diversity.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

To know and deepen the concepts of interaction and mediation from an interlinguistic and transcultural perspective.

To get tools for analysing and interpreting communicative processes that develop in complex social environments.

To get (self-)reflection skills in interactions with persons with linguistic, social and cultural diversity.

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

• Know the main theoretical constructs emerging from the literature of linguistic-cultural mediation from a transdisciplinary perspective.
• Apply basic mediation skills, carrying out mediation and interaction facilitation experiences also in the classroom.
• Apply basic tools and strategies for conflict prevention and analysis in multi- and inter-linguistic contexts.
• Autonomy: to carry out a (self-)reflective journey of the individual and group learning experience. To get or strengthen some soft skills, such as the ability to work in a collaborative environment, including online.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

All lectures include a lecture part (description and revision of contents) and a part of group work, including case-studies analysis.

In addition to the lectures, the course includes individual study and the design and implementation of a group project. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Plurilingualism and multilingualism as an opportunity.

Mediation in the CEFR and the Companion Volume.

Conceptualisation of mediation, linguistic mediation and cultural mediation.

An introduction to conflict studies.

Areas of intervention and complex situations.

Some challenges and dilemmas in linguistic and cultural mediation in our country.

The remainder of the course content will be co-developed with the class.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Indications of online materials will be made available on Aulaweb during the course.

Ad hoc materials for working students, non-attending students and students with learning disorders will be indicated according to each student's needs and level of language knowledge.

For this reason, it is very important that these people contact the lecturer at the address below AT THE BEGINNING of the semester and not shortly before the final exam.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The course is delivered in the second semester starting from February 2027.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

A differentiation between non-attending and attending students is expected. In both cases, the adequacy of the elaboration and exposition of the work presented, the capacity for critical analysis and argumentative skills will be assessed, also in case-studies analysis.

Examination arrangements will be discussed with the group at the beginning of the course, especially with regard to the percentage of each part on the final grade. The outcomes of this collective discussion will be announced both on Aulaweb. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment methods will be the subject of discussion with the group, at the beginning of the course, and in close connection with the expected learning outcomes.

The attitude and ability to facilitate and mediate in a group and the promotion of the peer and self-reflective circle will be a particular focus.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification to the University website at servizionline.unige.it, under the “Students” section. The documentation will be verified by the University’s Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).

Subsequently, well in advance (at least 10 days) of the exam date, you must send an email to the lecturer with whom you will be sitting the exam, copying in both the Faculty Liaison Officer for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties and the aforementioned Department, using one of the following addresses (disabili@unige.it; dsa@unige.it). The email must specify:

• the course title

• the exam session date

• the student’s surname, first name and student number

• the compensatory tools and dispensatory measures deemed appropriate and requested.

The contact person will confirm to the lecturer that the applicant is entitled to request adjustments during the examination and that such adjustments must be agreed with the lecturer. The lecturer will reply to confirm whether the requested adjustments can be accommodated.

Requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the examination date to allow the lecturer time to assess the content. In particular, if you intend to use concept maps for the exam (which must be much more concise than those used for study), failure to submit them within the specified timeframe will mean there will not be sufficient time to make any changes that may be requested by the lecturer.

For further information regarding requests for services and adjustments, please consult the document: Guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools and/or dispensations and specific aids