The module aims to reinforce and improve students' English knowledge and provide them with a solid background in the approach to developing a critical thinking towards political analysis. The module also supports the development of written and oral communication skills in English, part of the EU curriculum, whose abilities also function as employability enhancements and open to new working possibilities. As a whole, module content is designed to expand English skills and knowledge that will complement students’ progression through their programmes of study. By the end of the module students will be able to communicate at a good level and will easily identify core theories, concepts and methods used worldwide within Politics, Social Sciences and International Relations. Students will be able to use critical reasoning to analyse the main assumptions, strengths and weaknesses of key theories and speeches given.

In addition they should be aware of the challenges involved in conducting research in Politics, Social Sciences and International Relations, with the use of the English language, including selecting the use of appropriate theories and concepts that have proved to be successful.

Students will be encouraged to communicate and debate in English according to established rituals and conventions in Politics, Social Sciences and International Relations and they will show their ability to discuss arguments using key facts and concepts to support the proposed motion.

General English: grammar revision.

Present/Past/Future tenses.

Conditional sentences.

The passive voice.

English for Politics, Social Sciences and International Relations.

Deep analysis and study of political discourse and rhetoric found in political speech and speech writing.

A bridge programme can be provided, after the placement test, to help students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to meet prerequisites before starting the main course.

Improving English knowledge with the use of textbooks, online resources and interactive activities. Students should develop the ability to actively engage in debates and articulate support for the proposed motion in the field of Politics, Social Sciences and International Relations. Emphasis will be placed on effective information gathering and interpretation. Students are required to effectively communicate in English presenting ideas, proposing solutions, and demonstrating an innovative multi-faceted approach to the discipline. The goal for students is to autonomously master all topics studied.

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

Revision work and reinforcement work available upon request.

Teaching

Instruction takes place on-site according to the defined timetable which is accessible on the university website.

Innovative teaching methods

Innovative teaching method with the use of technology such as portable devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) and smartboards.

Attendance

Students are required to have a minimum attendance of 70% (recommended).

Course books

Any grammar book for revision work.

Any monolingual dictionary.

Analysing Political Discourse, Theory and Practice by Paul Chilton.

Crisis of Rhetoric by Alan Finlayson.

Assessment

Oral test.

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

Three online lectures will be conducted using Zoom, with accompanying files and materials available on Moodle.

Attendance

Students' attendance recorded through Zoom Attendance.

Course books

Any grammar book for revision work.

Any monolingual dictionary.

Analysing Political Discourse, Theory and Practice by Paul Chilton.

Crisis of Rhetoric by Alan Finlayson.

Assessment

Oral test.

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.

Students' attendance is strongly recommended.