The course will provide attainment of the C1 level of the Common European Framework in all major skills;  

• It will present the basics of translation and make an in-depth analysis of the grammatical differences between English and Italian; examine the differences between a 'high context' language like Italian and a 'low context' language like English, and how to adapt one's communicative style to write clear and effective texts in English, in the appropriate register;
• The vocabulary of the corporate business world will be explored.

C1 - Advanced or “self-efficiency” level.

Those who have reached the C1 level:

• Understands a wide range of complex and lengthy texts and can recognize their implied meaning.
• Expresses himself/herself fluently and naturally.
• Uses language flexibly and effectively for social, professional and academic purposes.
• Can produce clear, well-constructed, detailed texts on complex topics, showing confident control of text structure, connectors and cohesive elements. 

Listening comprehension

• Can easily understand TV programs and movies.

Reading comprehension

Understands specialized articles and lengthy technical instructions, even if they do not relate to one's field of specialization.

Oral Interaction

Expresses himself fluently and spontaneously without having to search obviously for the right expressions.
Uses language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.
Formulates ideas and opinions accurately and skillfully connects his or her utterances to those of other speakers.

Oral Expression

Presents clear and detailed descriptions of complex topics that include other topics.
Is able to develop concrete ideas and arrive at an appropriate conclusion.

Comprehension of written texts and writing skills

• Understands long speeches even when they are not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not explicitly stated. 
• Can understand long, complex texts of a literary or topical or fact-based nature, appreciating distinctions of style. 
• Can express him/herself in clear, well-structured texts, stating points of view with some breadth.
• Can write letters, essays or reports on complex topics, highlighting all that is important.
• Before proceeding with writing, he/she is able to select the most suitable language register, depending on the target audience.
• Would be able to write the texts needed to apply for a job.

The class will be led in translation activities, analyzing the differences in syntax between English and Italian languages, new vocabulary, and reflecting on the difference between a high-context language and a low-context language.  Basic rules of translation will be examined, and exercises in contrastive grammar and translation of texts on current affairs and business topics will be done.   A long series of translations on economic and social issues will be tackled, to be done independently at home; each text will be analyzed and discussed in detail in the classroom.  

You will need to bring your notebook of translation work done during the academic year to the language assessment exam.  In particular, you will need to bring the translations assigned each week, done with AT LEAST a first draft (rough draft) and a 2nd draft checked, revised and improved with careful editing work that should also take into account the structural differences between English and Italian.    You will be asked to talk about your work, and how your approach to translation has changed by applying the information and techniques learned.

Please note: The videos provided on the Blended page are part of the syllabus, and should all be viewed, as they provide useful vocabulary and information, as well as help you practice with suitable authentic materials.On assessment, they may provide conversation starters.  So, it will be important to keep up and work each week ALSO with these materials.

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

Innovative teaching methods

• CLIL
• Learning by doing

Course books

•  MyGrammarLab C1/C2  (+Online + mobile)  with online platform (Pearson).  SBN 978-1-4082-99111    
• Business Partner C1 with MyEnglishLab Online Workbook and Resources ISBN 978-1-292-393001
• Non-attending students will find the text "Thinking Italian Translation: A course in translation method: Italian to English " (Routledge, 2015, ISBN 13:    978-1138799783)  useful in understanding the process and challenges of translation.

Students are encouraged to participate actively in classroom discussions without worrying about making mistakes, as these are part of the learning process and give the entire class the opportunity to think about and discuss typical errors, and give individual students the possibility to receive useful feedback.