English Linguistics
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course consists of the following parts:
(A) Idiosyncrasies of present-day English, World Englishes, and the legacy of time
(B) Semantics: change and variation in English
(C) Pragmatics: change and variation in English
Part A takes a historical approach to explain the features of present-day English and the early development of World Englishes. Parts B and C introduce concepts, theories and methods of semantic and pragmatic analysis highlighting phenomena of variation and change in English.
The course syllabus will be valid until February 2026.
(A) Idiosyncrasies of present-day English, World Englishes, and the legacy of time
(B) Semantics: change and variation in English
(C) Pragmatics: change and variation in English
Part A takes a historical approach to explain the features of present-day English and the early development of World Englishes. Parts B and C introduce concepts, theories and methods of semantic and pragmatic analysis highlighting phenomena of variation and change in English.
The course syllabus will be valid until February 2026.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is addressed to 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate students. The course is taught in English; also course materials and the bibliography for the exam imply that students should be competent in English (QCER 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 reading list will be made available in due course in class and published on the course website. This will be available on the online teaching platform MyAriel, which the students are encouraged to consult regularly. Powerpoint presentations and any materials discussed in class for each unit will be made available on the course website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an interview, which includes questions asked by the teacher, interactions between the teacher and the student and, if necessary, the analysis of and comments on one or more language documents. The interview usually lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on whether the student takes the exam for 6 or 9 credits, and it is carried out in either English or Italian at the student's choice. The final mark is out of 30, and the student has the right to reject it (in this case, the exam result will be recorded as "withdrawn").
Alternatively, at the end of each 20-hour module attending students may take a written test consisting of questions with multiple-choice or short written answers. Students will have 30 minutes to complete each test which will be marked out of 30. If taken successfully, these tests may replace the oral exam.
The exam aims to verify the students' knowledge of the linguistic facts and phenomena covered by the course, and their ability to connect them with their own proficiency in English.
International students and Erasmus incoming students are encouraged 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].
Alternatively, at the end of each 20-hour module attending students may take a written test consisting of questions with multiple-choice or short written answers. Students will have 30 minutes to complete each test which will be marked out of 30. If taken successfully, these tests may replace the oral exam.
The exam aims to verify the students' knowledge of the linguistic facts and phenomena covered by the course, and their ability to connect them with their own proficiency in English.
International students and Erasmus incoming students are encouraged 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].
Modules or teaching units
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