English I
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
This is a first-year, two semester-course. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with key concepts in discourse analysis through in-depth study of authentic texts typical of a variety of professional domains, mostly in the fields of corporate communication, both internal and external. Students will learn to recognize the discursive, textual, and rhetorical strategies deployed in the texts and to assess their pragmatic effects. They will also learn to produce effective written texts in the domains considered. Professionally oriented oral communication skills will also be developed. The course combines theoretical and applied perspectives, and includes an advanced grammar component. The minimum requirement for the course is B2 plus level of the CEFR (competences approaching C1 are desirable) . The exit level is set at C1 plus of the CEFR, with special reference to specialized communication in corporate settings.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will have acquired a broad range of advanced grammatical structures and specialized vocabulary, which they will be able to deploy strategically in both writing and speaking. They will have mastered the principles of genre analysis, thereby acquiring transferable competences which they will be able to put to use in their future professional careers. While the course will mainly focus on corporate communication, the competences acquired extend beyond it to provide a strong basis for future application in any professional field.
Lesson period: year
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
year
For the 2022-23 academic year, all teaching for this course will be in-person, on site. Should the evolution of the pandemic demand different arrangements, you will be promptly informed through the communication channels customarily used to communicate with students (the Degree Course website, and the course sites on Ariel and Teams). Please make sure you are familiar with them and check them regularly. The team code is 3dv3kfd.
Course syllabus
The course aims to fine-tune students' competences both in the core language, with special regard for advanced syntax and information structure, as well as in specialised discourse, with a focus on corporate and institutional communication (Advanced Business English). Such competences contribute to pursuing the tearning objectives of the degree course, which aims to train highly skilled communication professionals who can work in a variety of international domains.
The course is organized around three central distinct but mutually related themes, which will be tested jointly. After introducing advanced syntactic structures in English (focusing in particular on the way in whcih they are used in business English), the course will focus ondeveloping a critical approach to corporate communication and, within this domain, will foster the acquisuition of advanced competences in managerial communication grounded in solid lexico-syntactic and genre-related knowledge and critical appraisal of communication strategies.
Part 1. Advanced Language Awareness for Corporate Communication
This part of the course aims to provide students with advanced competences in English syntax and specialised vocabulary, with special regard to text writing strategies in the field of corporate communication. The unit will focus on advanced grammar, especially on logical connectors and on issues of topicalisation, focus, emphasis and information structure.
Advanced Language Awareness for Corporate Communication
Part 2: An Introduction to Corporate Communication in English: A Linguistic Approach
This part aims to enhance students' awareness of the strategic nature of corporate communication, with special regard to the linguistic means whereby rhetorical and pragmatic effects are achieved. Starting from in-depth analyses of the rhetorical features of selected corporate communication genres, students will learn to recognize the rhetorical moves deployed in them and the linguistic structures used to realize them. Students will learn to bridge the gap between theory-based text analysis and text production. The genres discussed will range from the press release to the internal report, to the financial report, to the CEO letter in annual reports, to the mission statement etc. The overall aim of this part of the syllabus is to train students to recognize different genres and the rhetorical strategies associated with them, linking them to their intended communicative purpose(s).
Part 3: Building texts: from theory to practice
The final part of the course builds on the competences developed in the previous parts, guiding students through the principles of text composition across the range of genres analysed. Student will practice writing in a range of corporate genres. All writing tasks will be accompanied by self-reflective activities on the writing process, so as to enhance students' awareness of linguistic and rhetorical strategies deployed in corporate communication. A writing seminar is offered in the second term to help students hone their writing skills.
The course is organized around three central distinct but mutually related themes, which will be tested jointly. After introducing advanced syntactic structures in English (focusing in particular on the way in whcih they are used in business English), the course will focus ondeveloping a critical approach to corporate communication and, within this domain, will foster the acquisuition of advanced competences in managerial communication grounded in solid lexico-syntactic and genre-related knowledge and critical appraisal of communication strategies.
Part 1. Advanced Language Awareness for Corporate Communication
This part of the course aims to provide students with advanced competences in English syntax and specialised vocabulary, with special regard to text writing strategies in the field of corporate communication. The unit will focus on advanced grammar, especially on logical connectors and on issues of topicalisation, focus, emphasis and information structure.
Advanced Language Awareness for Corporate Communication
Part 2: An Introduction to Corporate Communication in English: A Linguistic Approach
This part aims to enhance students' awareness of the strategic nature of corporate communication, with special regard to the linguistic means whereby rhetorical and pragmatic effects are achieved. Starting from in-depth analyses of the rhetorical features of selected corporate communication genres, students will learn to recognize the rhetorical moves deployed in them and the linguistic structures used to realize them. Students will learn to bridge the gap between theory-based text analysis and text production. The genres discussed will range from the press release to the internal report, to the financial report, to the CEO letter in annual reports, to the mission statement etc. The overall aim of this part of the syllabus is to train students to recognize different genres and the rhetorical strategies associated with them, linking them to their intended communicative purpose(s).
Part 3: Building texts: from theory to practice
The final part of the course builds on the competences developed in the previous parts, guiding students through the principles of text composition across the range of genres analysed. Student will practice writing in a range of corporate genres. All writing tasks will be accompanied by self-reflective activities on the writing process, so as to enhance students' awareness of linguistic and rhetorical strategies deployed in corporate communication. A writing seminar is offered in the second term to help students hone their writing skills.
Prerequisites for admission
The minimum entry level is B2. The only valid proof of you level of English is the entry test you must pass in order to be admitted to the course. Certifications are not accepted in lieu of the test. Only students who studied English at University during their BA or equivalent degree can enrol in this course. Foreign students requiring a visa for study purposes are admitted solely on the basis of their academic career. They are, however, required to have a B2 level in English, just like all other students. Should their level of English prove inadequate, they will have to rely on self-study to reach a suitable level.
Teaching methods
Lectures, plus language practice sessions and seminars. All classes are held in English. The course consists of 30 lectures (60 hours) over two semesters taught by the course professor(s).
In addition to these lectures, language practice sessions ("esercitazioni") are scheduled (see the official timetable). Students are strongly advised to attend them.
Language practice sessions are designed to help students improve their overall language skills (grammar & vocabulary, writing, reading, listening and speaking), which are expected to reach C1 plus level in the CEFR.
Writing seminars are also scheduled in the second term in preparation for the exam. Students are strongly advised to take advantage of these opportunities to practice their language skills.
Language practice sessions: textbooks
Allison, J., Appleby, R., de Chazal, E. 2014. The Business 2.0 Student's Book Advanced Level (The Business 20 Advanced Level), Macmillan Education; 2nd Revised edition 978-0230438040
Wellman, G. e Side, R. 2002. Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency. New Edition. With Key. Longman. ISBN: 9780582518216
Further reference
Longman Business English Dictionary, Third Edition. Longman. ISBN: 9781405852593.
Oxford Business English Dictionary for Learners of English. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780194315845.
Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners, New Edition. Macmillan. ISBN: 9781405025263.
For further information about language practice sessions, class materials, updated reading lists and exams please refer to the course website on the Ariel platform (http://pcatenaccioli1lin.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx).
A dedicated team has also been opened on Microsoft Teams. To access the team, please use the following code: 04bh070
For information about office hours please check the "Chi e Dove" section of the UNIMI website.
In addition to these lectures, language practice sessions ("esercitazioni") are scheduled (see the official timetable). Students are strongly advised to attend them.
Language practice sessions are designed to help students improve their overall language skills (grammar & vocabulary, writing, reading, listening and speaking), which are expected to reach C1 plus level in the CEFR.
Writing seminars are also scheduled in the second term in preparation for the exam. Students are strongly advised to take advantage of these opportunities to practice their language skills.
Language practice sessions: textbooks
Allison, J., Appleby, R., de Chazal, E. 2014. The Business 2.0 Student's Book Advanced Level (The Business 20 Advanced Level), Macmillan Education; 2nd Revised edition 978-0230438040
Wellman, G. e Side, R. 2002. Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency. New Edition. With Key. Longman. ISBN: 9780582518216
Further reference
Longman Business English Dictionary, Third Edition. Longman. ISBN: 9781405852593.
Oxford Business English Dictionary for Learners of English. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780194315845.
Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners, New Edition. Macmillan. ISBN: 9781405025263.
For further information about language practice sessions, class materials, updated reading lists and exams please refer to the course website on the Ariel platform (http://pcatenaccioli1lin.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx).
A dedicated team has also been opened on Microsoft Teams. To access the team, please use the following code: 04bh070
For information about office hours please check the "Chi e Dove" section of the UNIMI website.
Teaching Resources
Part 1
Materials for this part of the course will be provided in class and online. Students will rely on the course materials provided and on further materials which will be recommended in class. All materials used will be published on the course website in a timely manner.
Further reading: Celce-Murcia, M. / Larsen-Freeman, D. 1999. The Grammar Book. An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course. Second edition. Boston: Thomson Heinle: pp. 60-69; 519-537.
Carter, R. / McCarthy, M. 2006. Cambridge Grammar of English. Cambridge: CUP: 838-851.
Downing, A. / Locke; P. 2006. English Grammar. A University Course. Second edition. Routledge: pp. 228-232; 238-262.
Part 2
Darics, Erika / Koller, Veronika 2017. Language in Business, Language at Work. London: Palgrave.
Further reading
Catenaccio P. 2008. Press releases as a hybrid genre: Addressing the informative/promotional conundrum. Pragmatics. 18(1): 9-32.
Catenaccio, P. 2012. Understanding CSR Discourse: A Linguistic Perspective. Milano: Arcipelago.
Fairclough, N. 1993. Critical discourse analysis and the marketisation of public discourse: The universities. Discourse and Society. 4 (2): 133-68.
Mautner, G. 2005. The entrepreneurial university: A discursive profile of higher education buzzwords. Critical Discourse Studies 2: 95-120.
Ran, Bing / Duimering, P. Robert 2007. Imaging the Organization. Language Use in Organizational Identity Claims. Journal of Business and Technical Communication. 21(2): 155-187.
Swales, J. M. / Rogers, P- S. 1995. Discourse and the projection of corporate culture: The mission statement. Discourse and Society 6: 223-242.
Upton, Thomas A. (2002). Understanding direct mail letters as a genre. International Journal of Corpus Linguistics 7(1): 65-85.
These materials will be made available on the course website or through the library.
Part 3
An electronic coursepack will be made available on the course website on the Ariel platform. The coursepack will include text samples and practice tasks.
Materials for this part of the course will be provided in class and online. Students will rely on the course materials provided and on further materials which will be recommended in class. All materials used will be published on the course website in a timely manner.
Further reading: Celce-Murcia, M. / Larsen-Freeman, D. 1999. The Grammar Book. An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course. Second edition. Boston: Thomson Heinle: pp. 60-69; 519-537.
Carter, R. / McCarthy, M. 2006. Cambridge Grammar of English. Cambridge: CUP: 838-851.
Downing, A. / Locke; P. 2006. English Grammar. A University Course. Second edition. Routledge: pp. 228-232; 238-262.
Part 2
Darics, Erika / Koller, Veronika 2017. Language in Business, Language at Work. London: Palgrave.
Further reading
Catenaccio P. 2008. Press releases as a hybrid genre: Addressing the informative/promotional conundrum. Pragmatics. 18(1): 9-32.
Catenaccio, P. 2012. Understanding CSR Discourse: A Linguistic Perspective. Milano: Arcipelago.
Fairclough, N. 1993. Critical discourse analysis and the marketisation of public discourse: The universities. Discourse and Society. 4 (2): 133-68.
Mautner, G. 2005. The entrepreneurial university: A discursive profile of higher education buzzwords. Critical Discourse Studies 2: 95-120.
Ran, Bing / Duimering, P. Robert 2007. Imaging the Organization. Language Use in Organizational Identity Claims. Journal of Business and Technical Communication. 21(2): 155-187.
Swales, J. M. / Rogers, P- S. 1995. Discourse and the projection of corporate culture: The mission statement. Discourse and Society 6: 223-242.
Upton, Thomas A. (2002). Understanding direct mail letters as a genre. International Journal of Corpus Linguistics 7(1): 65-85.
These materials will be made available on the course website or through the library.
Part 3
An electronic coursepack will be made available on the course website on the Ariel platform. The coursepack will include text samples and practice tasks.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment is exam-based. Students must successfully complete a written and an oral language skills test before they are allowed to sit the final exam. It is necessary to pass the written language test and the oral language test before you sit the oral exam with the course subject professor. Written language testing typically takes place at the beginning of each exam period (May, September, January). Interim tests may be offered to regularly attending students.
LANGUAGE SKILLS WRITTEN TEST
This written test is composed of two parts:
1. Use of English: This part tests students' competences in grammar and vocabulary (C1 plus level, advanced Business English vocabulary). Tasks include cloze tests, sentence transformations/cohesive structures and multiple choice gapfills. Students are given 45 minutes to complete the tasks. No dictionaries are allowed. The test will be administered electronically.
For the purpose of evaluation, the three parts have diffierent weights.
- Sentence transformations/cohesive structures (10, C1 level minimum): weight: 20/30
- Cloze test (10 blanks): weight: 5/30
- Multiple choice gapfill (10 gaps): 5/30
You must have at least 60% correct answers overall, and no less that 50% in each part in order to pass the test. This means no less than 18/30 overall, with no less than 10/30 in the sentence transformation/cohesive structure exercise, and no less than 5/30 in the multiple choice gapfill and cloze test combined. If you get 18/30 overall, but less than 50% in any single part, you will have to resit.
2. The second part of the written test (which will be administered separately from the first one) consists of a text writing task. The task involves writing a text of professional quality in one of the genres analysed during the course (press release, fundraising letter, business proposal, internal report etc.). Students will be assigned a task plus commentary which they will have to complete within three hours, using all means available to them (including the Internet). The text will have to be around 450 word long, with the commentary in the range of 600 words. Assessment will be a mark out of 30 (pass mark 18). The mark reflects the level of professional quality of the task, measured in lexical appropriateness, grammatical correctness, respect of genre conventions and strategic suitability.
LANGUAGE SKILLS ORAL TEST
The language skills oral test consists of a simulated job interview. Students will be asked to play the role of either the interviewer or the interviewee and will have to demonstrate the ability to engage in challenging professional interactions. Assessment will be based on command of the language and will evaluate structure and vocabulary, adequacy of pronunciation and intonation patterns, fluency, authenticity/idiomaticity, and strategic effectiveness (C1 plus level). Students may obtain a mark for this part of the assessment during language practice sessions (interim assessment). Students who have not been assessed during language practice sessions will have to take the language skills oral test on the same day as they sit the oral exam with the course subject professor. A mark is awarded for this test out of 30.
Only students who have successfully passed both the written and the oral language skills tests will be able to sit the final exam.
FINAL EXAM
The final exam will consist in an oral exam with the course subject professors, who will award the final mark (based on the marks obtained in the individual parts, but with no strict adherence to mathematical mean values). Students will have to prove they have mastered the concepts covered during the course and can talk about them in an academically appropriate manner by preparing and presenting a personal project.
The communicative competences displayed during the presentation and following discussion will also contribute to the final mark.
LANGUAGE SKILLS WRITTEN TEST
This written test is composed of two parts:
1. Use of English: This part tests students' competences in grammar and vocabulary (C1 plus level, advanced Business English vocabulary). Tasks include cloze tests, sentence transformations/cohesive structures and multiple choice gapfills. Students are given 45 minutes to complete the tasks. No dictionaries are allowed. The test will be administered electronically.
For the purpose of evaluation, the three parts have diffierent weights.
- Sentence transformations/cohesive structures (10, C1 level minimum): weight: 20/30
- Cloze test (10 blanks): weight: 5/30
- Multiple choice gapfill (10 gaps): 5/30
You must have at least 60% correct answers overall, and no less that 50% in each part in order to pass the test. This means no less than 18/30 overall, with no less than 10/30 in the sentence transformation/cohesive structure exercise, and no less than 5/30 in the multiple choice gapfill and cloze test combined. If you get 18/30 overall, but less than 50% in any single part, you will have to resit.
2. The second part of the written test (which will be administered separately from the first one) consists of a text writing task. The task involves writing a text of professional quality in one of the genres analysed during the course (press release, fundraising letter, business proposal, internal report etc.). Students will be assigned a task plus commentary which they will have to complete within three hours, using all means available to them (including the Internet). The text will have to be around 450 word long, with the commentary in the range of 600 words. Assessment will be a mark out of 30 (pass mark 18). The mark reflects the level of professional quality of the task, measured in lexical appropriateness, grammatical correctness, respect of genre conventions and strategic suitability.
LANGUAGE SKILLS ORAL TEST
The language skills oral test consists of a simulated job interview. Students will be asked to play the role of either the interviewer or the interviewee and will have to demonstrate the ability to engage in challenging professional interactions. Assessment will be based on command of the language and will evaluate structure and vocabulary, adequacy of pronunciation and intonation patterns, fluency, authenticity/idiomaticity, and strategic effectiveness (C1 plus level). Students may obtain a mark for this part of the assessment during language practice sessions (interim assessment). Students who have not been assessed during language practice sessions will have to take the language skills oral test on the same day as they sit the oral exam with the course subject professor. A mark is awarded for this test out of 30.
Only students who have successfully passed both the written and the oral language skills tests will be able to sit the final exam.
FINAL EXAM
The final exam will consist in an oral exam with the course subject professors, who will award the final mark (based on the marks obtained in the individual parts, but with no strict adherence to mathematical mean values). Students will have to prove they have mastered the concepts covered during the course and can talk about them in an academically appropriate manner by preparing and presenting a personal project.
The communicative competences displayed during the presentation and following discussion will also contribute to the final mark.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Catenaccio Paola, Stan Irina Suzana, Sturiale Massimo
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)