English Language and Culture

A.Y. 2021/2022
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
L-LIN/10 L-LIN/12
Language
English
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at the development and consolidation of the skills of written understanding and oral presentation of texts and specialized topics of a historical and cultural nature. It also seeks to enhance, at the intermediate-advanced level (level B1/B2 of the CEFR), knowledge related to the lexicon, grammar and the use of the English language.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have acquired the language skills necessary to understand different text types; will know the historical highlights of the English-speaking countries presented in the classroom and will be able to understand specialized texts. The student will also be able to assimilate and interpret the information received, express himself and communicate in English (both orally and in writing) at an intermediate-advanced level, and make autonomous critical assessments. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources, which will take place from time to time, will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning. Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and contact the instructor via email or during office hours.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Edizione I semestre

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Should it become necessary to use online teaching, the lessons will be held in synchronous, trying to enhance interaction (chat and forum), using mainly Teams.
Course syllabus
Title of the course: Exploring Academic English for History and English cultures
Module 1: Reading, thinking and Writing about History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first part aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.

Module 2: British, Irish and North American Cultures and Presentation Skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries - especially UK (with a focus on Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and U.S.A.). Moreover, this course will provide rich opportunities for students to hone their communication and presentation skills in a practical way.

Module 3: Focus on English Academic Lexis and Grammar, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third part aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts and selected primary sources. Attention will also be paid to what required by Academic-oriented certifications.

The course will begin on Monday, September 20th. Location: via Santa Sofia. The relevant Microsoft Team code is: t9i81vo
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through dialogic lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge. Team works, class discussions, and individual presentations are therefore envisaged.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel and Microsoft Teams.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A and B)

Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese" and on the Microsoft Teams platform

Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064 OR Vince, Michael, and Macmillan. Language Practice for First : English Grammar and Vocabulary : with Key. 5. ed, Macmillan Education, 2014 (also available online)


Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A, B and C)

Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064 OR Vince, Michael, and Macmillan. Language Practice for First : English Grammar and Vocabulary : with Key. 5. ed, Macmillan Education, 2014 (also available online)

- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese" and on the Microsoft Teams platform

Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their proficiency in both written and spoken English, at an intermediate/advanced level. Course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize with the themes and topics of the course, non-attending students should also study the following textbook:
- J. O'Driscoll, Britain for Learners of English, Student's Book, Oxford, OUP, 2009, ISBN 978-0194306447

International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan for exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is divided into a written test and an oral discussion, both compulsory. Attending students will have the opportunity to carry out some in itinere tests and an in-depth activity that will be subject to evaluation and on which more specific indications will be given in class.
The written test consists of a Reading Comprehension with 10 multiple-choice questions and 10 multiple-choice questions on the course syllabus. For 9 CFU there will be 10 more multiple-choice questions on module C.
In the oral discussion, students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and contextualize the texts in the course syllabus and their presentations skills thanks to the in-depth activity. The results of the written test will be posted on Ariel before the oral exam. Only students who have passed the written test can take the oral exam.
Evaluation criteria include the ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; critical thinking; quality of exposition; competence in the use of specialist lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
The final score is the average of the scores obtained in the various parts and is expressed in thirtieths. Students may accept or reject the result, in which case the record will be "ritirato".
The overall evaluation will be elaborated and communicated at the end of the oral exam.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours

Edizione II semestre

Lesson period
Second semester
Lectures will be delivered remotely, principally in synchronous format via Teams.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
In case of necessity, the exam will take place remotely through SEB+Moodle and Teams.
Course syllabus
Part A: Academic reading and critical thinking for History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first part aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Part B: British, Irish and American culture and presentation skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.).
Part C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third part aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific requisites.
Teaching methods
The course is lecture-based, but students are expected to actively participate in the lessons to consolidate knowledge, competence, and specific language. Discussion with the instructor is an integral part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge. Classes will be taught in English.
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to lectures, the course might also feature team works and/or individual papers.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:

Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A and B)

Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"

Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064

- Programme for 9 cfu:

Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A, B and C)

Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"

Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their proficiency in both written and spoken English, at an intermediate/advanced level. Course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize with the themes and topics of the course, non-attending students should also study the following textbook:
- J. O'Driscoll, Britain for Learners of English, Student's Book, Oxford, OUP, 2009, ISBN 978-0194306447

International and Erasmus students are recommended to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a specific syllabus (available in English) for the exam.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is divided into a written test and an oral discussion, both compulsory. Continuous assessment may be implemented for attending students, in the form of interim tests.
The written test consists of a Reading Comprehension with 10 multiple-choice questions and 10 multiple-choice questions on the course syllabus. For 9 CFU there will be 10 more multiple-choice questions on module C.
In the oral discussion, students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and contextualize the texts in the course syllabus. The results of the written test will be posted on Ariel before the oral exam. Only students who have passed the written test can take the oral exam.
Evaluation criteria include the ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; critical thinking; quality of exposition; competence in the use of specialist lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
The final score is the average of the scores obtained in the various parts and is expressed in thirtieths. Students may accept or reject the result, in which case the record will be "ritirato".
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)