English Language and Culture
A.Y. 2022/2023
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.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
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
I semester
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Title of the course: Exploring English Cultures and Academic English for History
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 research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module 2: British and Irish Cultures and Presentation Skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize a historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise themselves with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries - especially the UK (with a focus on Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland. 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 is required by Academic-oriented certifications.
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 research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module 2: British and Irish Cultures and Presentation Skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize a historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise themselves with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries - especially the UK (with a focus on Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland. 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 is required by Academic-oriented certifications.
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 the Ariel platform (English Language and Culture - I semester).
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on the Ariel platform (English Language and Culture - I semester).
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
Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of your 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
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their written and spoken proficiency, at an intermediate/advanced level. The course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize themselves 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.
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
Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of your 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
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their written and spoken proficiency, at an intermediate/advanced level. The course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize themselves 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 an 'in itinere' test 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.
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
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Unita' didattica
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
II semester
Lesson period
Second semester
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 research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module 2: British and Irish Cultures and Presentation Skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize a historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise themselves with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries - especially the UK (with a focus on Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland.
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 is required by Academic-oriented certifications.
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 research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module 2: British and Irish Cultures and Presentation Skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize a historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise themselves with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries - especially the UK (with a focus on Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland.
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 is required by Academic-oriented certifications.
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.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
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
Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of your 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
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their written and spoken proficiency, at an intermediate/advanced level. The course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize themselves 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.
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
Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of your 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
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their written and spoken proficiency, at an intermediate/advanced level. The course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize themselves 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.
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
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Unita' didattica
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)