English Linguistics
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
This course provides students with an understanding of the structure and use of the English 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 history and pluricentric nature.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students should be aware of the linguistic approaches applied to the study of English and master their metalanguage; understand the dimensions of variation in language; be able to describe English in synchronic and diachronic terms; be able to analyse written texts and verbal exchanges applying familiar linguistic approaches.
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
Course syllabus
The course consists of the following parts:
(A) "Semantics: change and variation in English"
(B) "Pragmatics: change and variation in English"
(C) "Varieties of English and the legacy of time"
Part A and B introduce concepts, theories and methods of semantic and pragmatic analysis highlighting phenomena of variation and change in English. Part C provides an introduction to the history of English and to the development of varieties of English in the world.
PLEASE NOTE: Part C is also taught as unit C for the course "World Englishes" (second term course). Students wishing to take "World Englishes" for 9 ECTS credits will select part C from the "English Linguistics" programme in the first term. English Linguistics and World Englishes cannot both be taken as 9 CFU exams. Students can choose the following combinations: 9+6 CFU, 6+9 CFU o 6+6 CFU.
The course syllabus will be valid until February 2024.
(A) "Semantics: change and variation in English"
(B) "Pragmatics: change and variation in English"
(C) "Varieties of English and the legacy of time"
Part A and B introduce concepts, theories and methods of semantic and pragmatic analysis highlighting phenomena of variation and change in English. Part C provides an introduction to the history of English and to the development of varieties of English in the world.
PLEASE NOTE: Part C is also taught as unit C for the course "World Englishes" (second term course). Students wishing to take "World Englishes" for 9 ECTS credits will select part C from the "English Linguistics" programme in the first term. English Linguistics and World Englishes cannot both be taken as 9 CFU exams. Students can choose the following combinations: 9+6 CFU, 6+9 CFU o 6+6 CFU.
The course syllabus will be valid until February 2024.
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 individual/group activities.
Teaching Resources
The full reading list and chapter details will be made available in due course in class and published on the course website. 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.
Reading list:
Part A
- Yule, G. 2019. "Semantics". In The Study of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 129-148.
- Herbst, T. 2010. "Ways of describing meaning". In English Linguistics. A Coursebook for Students of English. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 247-264.
- Kay, C. and K. Allan. 2015. English Historical Semantics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. chapters 3-5, pp. 25-90.
- course materials
Part B
- Culpeper, J. and M. Haugh. 2014. Pragmatics and the English language. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 1-44, 83-102, 155-175, 197-214.
- course materials
Parte C
- Fisiak, Jacek. 1983. An Outline History of English. Poznan: Kantor.
- Romaine, S. 2006. "Global English". In Kemenade, A. van and Los, B. (eds.) The handbook of the history of English. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub. pp. 589-608.
- course materials
Additional reading (recommended to distance-learning students):
- [general] Herbst, T. 2010. "The English language and linguistics". In English Linguistics. A Coursebook for Students of English. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 1-42.
- [parts A and B] Fitzmaurice, S. 2016. "Semantic and pragmatic change". In M. Kytö and P. Pahta (eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of English Historical Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 256-270.
- [part C] Hundt, M. 2016. "Global spread of English: Processes of change". In M. Kytö and P. Pahta (eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of English Historical Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 335-348.
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
- Yule, G. 2019. "Semantics". In The Study of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 129-148.
- Herbst, T. 2010. "Ways of describing meaning". In English Linguistics. A Coursebook for Students of English. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 247-264.
- Kay, C. and K. Allan. 2015. English Historical Semantics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. chapters 3-5, pp. 25-90.
- course materials
Part B
- Culpeper, J. and M. Haugh. 2014. Pragmatics and the English language. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 1-44, 83-102, 155-175, 197-214.
- course materials
Parte C
- Fisiak, Jacek. 1983. An Outline History of English. Poznan: Kantor.
- Romaine, S. 2006. "Global English". In Kemenade, A. van and Los, B. (eds.) The handbook of the history of English. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub. pp. 589-608.
- course materials
Additional reading (recommended to distance-learning students):
- [general] Herbst, T. 2010. "The English language and linguistics". In English Linguistics. A Coursebook for Students of English. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. pp. 1-42.
- [parts A and B] Fitzmaurice, S. 2016. "Semantic and pragmatic change". In M. Kytö and P. Pahta (eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of English Historical Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 256-270.
- [part C] Hundt, M. 2016. "Global spread of English: Processes of change". In M. Kytö and P. Pahta (eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of English Historical Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 335-348.
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 knowledge and competence acquired will be assessed through mid-term written tests and a final exam. For each unit there will be a mid-term written test, in English, consisting of multiple choice questions and short answers. Students will have 30 minutes to complete each test which will be marked out of 30. The final exam consists of an oral discussion in English or Italian at the student's choice. Students with a pass in the mid-term tests will be interviewed on the tests. Other students will be interviewed on the full reading list and course programme (the interview will last 20-30 minutes depending on the number of units required). Mid-term tests and oral interview are meant 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 final mark is out of 30. 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 is out of 30. 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