English for International Relations
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course is integrated with other degree subjects to help students develop in a European and international context. It aims to enhance students' abilities to understand and use English as a vehicle for political discourse both institutionally and as a tool for communication through the media.
Students begin the course with a B2 level of English (CEFR) or higher and by studying and analysing various text genres, discourse aspects and rhetorical strategies they develop their vocabulary and strengthen their grammar skills. The course also aims to improve students' communication skills in what is now the world's lingua franca. Both of these outcomes are fundamental for anyone working in an international environment.
Classroom learning takes place entirely in English and attendance is strongly recommended. Face-to-face teaching covers theory and promotes detailed analysis of political texts and journalism pieces with the aim of developing students' theoretical and analytical skills. Practical lessons also help to develop language and presentation skills.
Students begin the course with a B2 level of English (CEFR) or higher and by studying and analysing various text genres, discourse aspects and rhetorical strategies they develop their vocabulary and strengthen their grammar skills. The course also aims to improve students' communication skills in what is now the world's lingua franca. Both of these outcomes are fundamental for anyone working in an international environment.
Classroom learning takes place entirely in English and attendance is strongly recommended. Face-to-face teaching covers theory and promotes detailed analysis of political texts and journalism pieces with the aim of developing students' theoretical and analytical skills. Practical lessons also help to develop language and presentation skills.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will have at least a B2+ level of English and knowledge of the core concepts of language theory (genre, discourse, persuasion) to support them in analysing political language in English.
Students will also understand the content of English-language political discourse in its various forms of expression: (a) complex institutional and political texts on concrete and abstract topics, in which they will be able to identify the core ideas; (b) oral speeches, in which they will follow complex lines of argument on issues of international politics; and (c) journalism pieces concerning current international political affairs, in which they will be able to identify the author's point of view.
These competences are developed through teaching activities including classroom discussions, practice of written and spoken language, essay writing, group work, independent study of texts/materials, analysis of primary sources and case studies.
Students will also understand the content of English-language political discourse in its various forms of expression: (a) complex institutional and political texts on concrete and abstract topics, in which they will be able to identify the core ideas; (b) oral speeches, in which they will follow complex lines of argument on issues of international politics; and (c) journalism pieces concerning current international political affairs, in which they will be able to identify the author's point of view.
These competences are developed through teaching activities including classroom discussions, practice of written and spoken language, essay writing, group work, independent study of texts/materials, analysis of primary sources and case studies.
Lesson period: Third trimester
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
A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
- CV in English: structure and content. Grammar in context.
- International Political Communication in English: International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
- International Politics and the Media: Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
- International Political Communication in English: International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
- International Politics and the Media: Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
Prerequisites for admission
As detailed in the Course Prospectus, in order to take the English language exam required by the study plan, knowledge of the English language at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR / CEFR) is required. This level can be certified in the following ways: - by sending a language certification obtained no later than 3 years prior to the date of presentation of the same, level B2 or higher (for the list of language certifications recognized by the University, please refer to to the website: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/297/). The certification must be uploaded at the time of enrollment, or, subsequently, on the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue; - through the Placement Test, delivered by the SLAM University Language Center exclusively during the first year, from October to December. In case of failure of the test, it will be necessary to follow the courses provided by SLAM. The Placement Test is mandatory for all students who are not in possession of a valid certification. Those who do not take the Placement Test by December or do not pass the final test of the course within 6 attempts must obtain a paid certification within the year in which the language exam is scheduled. Further information here: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/competenze-linguistiche/placement-test-test-di-entry-e-corsi-di- inglese.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
Teaching methods
We will be using an eclectic approach: lesson plans will be characterized by the use of multimedia materials. The function of these tools is that of interacting with the students involving them in activities that stimulate them cognitively and that make it possible for their different intelligences, personalities, and motivation to find the most suitable learning way(s).
Learning a language is, for a huge part, practicing it, so the students are expected to engage in discussions, to ask and answer questions, to detect errors and reflect about them, to try to communicate in English, challenging the fear of being wrong or making errors.
Learning a language is, for a huge part, practicing it, so the students are expected to engage in discussions, to ask and answer questions, to detect errors and reflect about them, to try to communicate in English, challenging the fear of being wrong or making errors.
Teaching Resources
Adopted textbooks:
- Partington, A. 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Seargeant, P. (2020). The art of political storytelling: Why stories win votes in post-truth politics. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Clark, C., & DE BOHUN, M. A. R. Y. (2006). Views in the news. LED Edizioni.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
- Partington, A. 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Seargeant, P. (2020). The art of political storytelling: Why stories win votes in post-truth politics. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Clark, C., & DE BOHUN, M. A. R. Y. (2006). Views in the news. LED Edizioni.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Evaluation is exam based. The exam is in written form and aims to ascertain students' competences - both theoretical and in applied forms - in respect of the topics and language varieties discussed during the course and in the textbooks and materials in the reading list. In particular, students will have to prove their competence in using the structures of academic English (B2 level), and to be familiar with the key genres and linguistic structures of Political English.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed- and open- question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Political Communication in English, International Politics and the Media, linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the course. No dictionary allowed. The final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
- A personal CV of the student (more info will be availableto Ariel).
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed- and open- question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Political Communication in English, International Politics and the Media, linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the course. No dictionary allowed. The final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
- A personal CV of the student (more info will be availableto Ariel).
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Di Ferrante Laura
L-Z
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
- CV in English: structure and content. Grammar in context.
- International Political Communication in English: International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
- International Politics and the Media: Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
- International Political Communication in English: International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
- International Politics and the Media: Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
Prerequisites for admission
In order to take the English language exam required by the study plan, knowledge of the English language at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR / CEFR) is required. This level can be certified in the following ways: - by sending a language certification obtained no later than 3 years prior to the date of presentation of the same, level B2 or higher (for the list of language certifications recognized by the University, please refer to to the website: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/297/). The certification must be uploaded at the time of enrollment, or, subsequently, on the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue; - through the Placement Test, delivered by the SLAM University Language Center exclusively during the first year, from October to December. In case of failure of the test, it will be necessary to follow the courses provided by SLAM. The Placement Test is mandatory for all students who are not in possession of a valid certification. Those who do not take the Placement Test by December or do not pass the final test of the course within 6 attempts must obtain a paid certification within the year in which the language exam is scheduled. Further information here: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/competenze-linguistiche/placement-test-test-di-entry-e-corsi-di- inglese.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
Teaching methods
The course is lecture-based, but students are expected to actively participate in the lessons. The development of skills and competences is crucial; because of this, students will be required to work assiduosuly on the development and consolidation of academic and political English skills through constant critical practice. The teaching methods used will draw from applied functional linguistics, especially from the English-speaking tradition. Classes will be taught in English.
Teaching Resources
Adopted textbooks:
- - Seargeant, Philip. 2020. The Art of Political Storytelling: Why Stories Win Votes in Post-Truth Politics. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Alan Partington 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Caroline M. de B. Clark. 2006. Views in the news. A textbook. Milan: LED.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
- - Seargeant, Philip. 2020. The Art of Political Storytelling: Why Stories Win Votes in Post-Truth Politics. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Alan Partington 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Caroline M. de B. Clark. 2006. Views in the news. A textbook. Milan: LED.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Evaluation is exam based. The exam is in written form and aims to ascertain students' competences - both theoretical and in applied forms - in respect of the topics and language varieties discussed during the course and in the textbooks and materials in the reading list. In particular, students will have to prove their competence in using the structures of academic English (B2 level), and to be familiar with the key genres and linguistic structures of Political English.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed- and open- question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Political Communication in English, International Politics and the Media, linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the course. No dictionary allowed. The final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
- A personal CV of the student (more info will be available in Ariel).
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed- and open- question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Political Communication in English, International Politics and the Media, linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the course. No dictionary allowed. The final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
- A personal CV of the student (more info will be available in Ariel).
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Willoughby Audrey Claire
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. or by appointment
Room 106 or online via Teams