English Linguistics
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
This course provides students with an opportunity for an in-depth reflection on language, in synchronic and diachronic perspective. The course aims to develop the students' ability to reflect critically on how the English language 'works' considering its nature, also in historical perspective.
Expected learning outcomes
The students will acquire sound knowledge of the linguistic models applied to the study of English, to the structure and nature of the language, its historical development and the varieties of English in the world. They will be able to apply different analytical approaches using the correct terminology; they will be able to highlight and establish connections between models and and approaches in English linguistics.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Specific information on the delivery modes of the teaching activities for the a.y. 2021/2022 will be provided in the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
The course is entitled "Dimensions of meaning in English linguistics" and consists of the following parts:
(A) "Varieties of English and the legacy of time"
(B) "Words and word meaning"
(C) "Pragmatic meaning and context"
Part A introduces the history of English and its varieties; part B centres upon semantics and lexicology as a level of language analysis; part C explores the study of meaning in English from the perspective of Pragmatics.
PLEASE NOTE: Part A is also taught as unit C for the course "World Englishes" (second term course); therefore, students wishing to take "World Englishes" for 9 ECTS credits will select part A from the "English Linguistics" programme in the first term.
The course syllabus will be valid until February 2023.
(A) "Varieties of English and the legacy of time"
(B) "Words and word meaning"
(C) "Pragmatic meaning and context"
Part A introduces the history of English and its varieties; part B centres upon semantics and lexicology as a level of language analysis; part C explores the study of meaning in English from the perspective of Pragmatics.
PLEASE NOTE: Part A is also taught as unit C for the course "World Englishes" (second term course); therefore, students wishing to take "World Englishes" for 9 ECTS credits will select part A from the "English Linguistics" programme in the first term.
The course syllabus will be valid until February 2023.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is addressed to 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students. The course is taught in English; course materials and the reading list require a high level of language competence (level B2 or higher). Students from degrees other than Foreign Languages, Erasmus students and incoming students from other mobility programmes are admitted provided they possess a good knowledge of English.
Teaching methods
The teaching methods adopted in this course include traditional lectures, discussion-based sessions and practical exercises.
Teaching Resources
The course syllabus for attending and non-attending students is the same. The full reading list and chapter details will be made available in due course in class and published on the course website.
Reading list:
Part A
- Fisiak, Jacek. 1983. An Outline History of English. Poznan: Kantor.
- Romaine, Suzanne. 2006. "Global English". In Kemenade, A. van and Los, B. (eds.) The handbook of the history of English. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.
Part B
- Kreidler, C. W. 2014. Introducing English semantics. Second edition. [Online]. New York: Routledge. (chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11)
- Minkova, Donka and Robert Stockwell. 2021. "English words". In Aarts, Bas et al. (eds.) The handbook of English linguistics. Second edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.
Part C
- Culpeper, Jonathan and Michael Haugh. 2014. Pragmatics and the English language. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. (selected chapters)
The website of the course is available on the online teaching platform Ariel (https://aandreanili.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/), which the students are encouraged to consult regularly. Notes and any materials discussed in class for each unit will be made available on the course website.
Since difficulties may arise from preparing the exam on your own, distance learning students are advised to allocate enough study time to read and familiarise with the bibliography and to get in touch with the lecturer.
Reading list:
Part A
- Fisiak, Jacek. 1983. An Outline History of English. Poznan: Kantor.
- Romaine, Suzanne. 2006. "Global English". In Kemenade, A. van and Los, B. (eds.) The handbook of the history of English. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub.
Part B
- Kreidler, C. W. 2014. Introducing English semantics. Second edition. [Online]. New York: Routledge. (chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11)
- Minkova, Donka and Robert Stockwell. 2021. "English words". In Aarts, Bas et al. (eds.) The handbook of English linguistics. Second edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.
Part C
- Culpeper, Jonathan and Michael Haugh. 2014. Pragmatics and the English language. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. (selected chapters)
The website of the course is available on the online teaching platform Ariel (https://aandreanili.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/), which the students are encouraged to consult regularly. Notes and any materials discussed in class for each unit will be made available on the course website.
Since difficulties may arise from preparing the exam on your own, distance learning students are advised to allocate enough study time to read and familiarise with the bibliography and to get in touch with the lecturer.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists of an oral discussion (20 minutes), in English or Italian at the student's choice, to verify the knowledge and understanding of the reading list, the ability to reflect critically upon the topics covered, and the use of the appropriate terminology. The knowledge and competence acquired will also be assessed through mid-term written tests, in English, consisting of multiple choice questions and short answers.
The final mark out of 30 is the result of the average between the written tests and the oral exam. Students have the right to reject it, in which case it will be registered as "ritirato".
International students and Erasmus incoming students are ecouraged to get in touch with the course lecturer.
Exam procedures and assessment methods for disabled students and students with specific learning disabilities must be arranged in advance with the lecturer in agreement with the office [email protected].
The final mark out of 30 is the result of the average between the written tests and the oral exam. Students have the right to reject it, in which case it will be registered as "ritirato".
International students and Erasmus incoming students are ecouraged to get in touch with the course lecturer.
Exam procedures and assessment methods for disabled students and students with specific learning disabilities must be arranged in advance with the lecturer in agreement with the office [email protected].
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesdays 14.00-17.00. Please get in touch via email to make an appointment.
Piazza S. Alessandro (Anglistica) / Teams