The course aims to:

-  Introduce students to the scientific study of the English language, in particular to the phonetic, phonological, morphological, syntactic and semantical aspects of the English language;

-  develop students' analytical skills;

-  Activate a reflection on the formal and structural aspects of general texts in the field of English for Specific Purpose with a special focus on the media and tourism;

-  Acquire awareness of the distinctive varieties of English.

The course intends to introduce students to the scientific study of the English language as well as its social and geographical varieties; develop students' analytical skills and bring them to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The course will provide an introduction to Present-day English and to its global spread exploring its historical background, geographical varieties and linguistic features. In addition, the course will examine English phonology, morphology and syntax, lexis and syntax, providing contrastive insights into the main differences between English and Italian.

Finally, a special focus will be devoted to an overview of English for Special Purposes (the media and tourism will be specially dealt with) and Academic English.

Historical background

Essential concepts of English phonetics and pronunciation

Morphology   

From syntax to semantics

Varieties of English   

Features of non-fictional texts and text types

English for Specific Purposes

The language of the media    

The language of tourism

Introduction to Academic English

Students must also attend the lettorati. 

By the end of the course students will:
 

-be able to understand the historical development of English, its main geographical varieties, and its functions in various social contexts;

-have developed a good ability to interpret information regarding the English language and its world usage;

-be able to communicate effectively their opinions and ideas regarding the major current topics concerning the English language;

-be able to understand the principles of linguistics as they appear in and are developed within the English-language context;

-be able to discuss in English some aspects of the topics introduced during the course;

-be able to interpret the basic elements of English For Specific Purposes and English For Academic Purposes, including the interaction of purpose, writer, audience, content, form, and meaning.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises) and specific communications from the lecturer can be found, together with other supporting activities, inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Slides, authentic audio and video material, textbooks, exercises, group activities.

Attendance

Students must attend at least 70% of the course.

Course books

The following texts are OBLIGATORY for the monographic course:

(A) Raffaella Picello, Key concepts in English language and linguistics. A coursebook for university students, in fase di pubblicazione, Libreria Universitaria, Padova, in fase di stampa.

Further bibliographic references will be provided during the lessons.

Lecture slides and additional materials will be uploaded on the Moodle – blended.uniurb website after each lesson.

Assessment

There will be a written exam on each date published for this course.

The written exam consists of activities aimed at testing the comprehension of the linguistic structures introduced during the course.These are followed by open and closed questions about the history, spread and varieties of the English language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Slides and handouts.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory, although it is strongly recommended.

Course books

The following texts are OBLIGATORY for the monographic course:

(A) Raffaella Picello, Key concepts in English language and linguistics. A coursebook for university students, in fase di pubblicazione, Libreria Universitaria, Padova, in fase di stampa.

(A) Culpeper J., History of English, Language Workbook, New York, Routledge, 2005.

(A) 

Lecture slides and additional materials will be uploaded on the Moodle – blended.uniurb website after each lesson.

Assessment

There will be a written exam on each date published for this course.

The written exam consists of activities aimed at testing the comprehension of the linguistic structures introduced during the course.These are followed by open and closed questions about the history, spread and varieties of the English language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.