OVERVIEW

The theoretical part of the course will focus on ecolinguistics and multimodality, in order to support students in the development of their critical and analytical skills and allow them to perform analyses of both monomodal and multimodal texts pertaining to the ecological discourse and its impact on such areas as ecoliteracy, environmental mobilisation and policy making. The practical part of the course is meant to support students in reaching English level C2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The theoretical part of the course will focus on Ecolinguistics and Multimodal Studies, in order to support students in the development of their critical and analytical skills and allow them to perform analyses of both monomodal and multimodal texts pertaining to the ecological discourse in a variety of communicative settings. The practical part of the course is meant to support students in reaching English level C2.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The theory part aims to support students in developing:

- an understanding of the main theoretical and analytical frameworks of ecolinguistics and multimodal studies; 

- their critical and thinking skills;

- their analytical skills as well as the ability to perform critical analyses of texts independently;

The practice part aims to bring students to the C2.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

PREREQUISITES

Basic linguistic knowledge of the syntax and pragmatics of the English Language, as well as a C1.2 level of English in the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) according the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

TEACHING METHODS

The linguistics module is made up of weekly lectures over one semester. 

The practical module is made up of weekly classes through both semesters. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This course is divided into two parts: a one-semester linguistics module ("modulo teorico"), 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 (grammar, use of English, reading and comprehension) and an oral exam. The linguistics module is assessed through a computer-based test at the end of the second semester. 

The linguistics module ("modulo teorico") focuses on ecolinguistics and multimodality. Classes will focus on the main theories and methodologies within these approaches, and on mono- and multimodal text and discourse analysis pertaining to the ecological discourse.

The practical language module aims to bring students to the C2.1 level (lower end of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages C2 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 (70% of which is the written part and 30% of which is the oral part)

+

50% (of the overall mark) is the theory part 

Those students who cannot attend classes will not be assigned any extra reading: they will need to study the same syllabus as the students who can attend. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theory:

Bortoluzzi M. & E. Zurru (eds.), 2024, Ecological Communication and Ecoliteracy: Discourses of Awareness and Action for the Lifescape, Bloomsbury Academics.

https://www.bloomsburycollections.com/monograph?docid=b-9781350335851  

Machin, D. & A. Mayr, 2023, How to Do Critical Discourse Analysis. A Multimodal Introduction, SAGE Publications.

Stibbe A., The Search for New Stories to Live By. Econarrative and ethical leadership  https://www.storiescourse.org/new 

Stibbe A., The Stories We Live By. A free online course in ecolinguistics: https://www.storiescourse.org/thecourse

AAVV, Centre for multimodal communication: Key terms, https://multimodalkeyterms.wordpress.com/

Practice:

Roadmap C1-C2. Student’s Book: https://www.pearson.com/languages/en-ca/educators/connected-english-learning-program/adult/roadmap.html

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes for this course start at the beginning of the first semester for the MA course in Modern languages and intercultural communication for companies and institutions (LM38). 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The linguistics module is assessed through a computer-based exam at the end of the course. Students will be asked to analyse, while also making pertinent theoretical observations, a text pertaining to the environmental discourse, by applying the theories and methodologies studied during the course. The aim of the exam is to assess students' critical and thinking skills, their ability to understand, discuss and elaborate on theories studied during the course and to apply them when analysing texts in English.

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (grammar, use of English, reading and comprehension) and an oral exam. Students will be expected to have reached the C2.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages by the end of the course. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The linguistics module is assessed through a computer-based exam at the end of the course. Students will be asked to analyse, while also making pertinent theoretical observations, a text pertaining to the environmental discourse, by applying the theories and methodologies studied during the course. The aim of the exam is to assess students' critical and thinking skills, their ability to understand, discuss and elaborate on theories studied during the course and to apply them when analysing texts in English.

The practical module is assessed at the end of the second semester through a written exam paper (grammar, use of English, reading and comprehension) and an oral exam. Students will be expected to have reached the C2.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages by the end of the course. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is strongly recommended.

Signing up for the written and oral exams is obligatory. Students will not be allowed to sit the exam(s), should they fail to do so.

The course can be attended by Erasmus students. Erasmus students who choose to attend this course are invited to contact Dr. Zurru during her office hours as soon as they arrive. 

Students with disabilities and/or specific learning needs are invited to get in touch with Dr. Zurru during her office hours at the beginning of the course, so that their specific needs can be addressed both in terms of classes and assessment. They should also get in touch with Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.