English Language and Culture
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course explores the diverse ways in which history is narrated across various media and dissemination contexts. Domain-specific communication is examined in terms of both the characteristics of specialized academic texts and the key linguistic strategies employed to make expert knowledge accessible to a non-specialist audience.
While focusing on specialized texts, the course explores the distinctive features of academic discourse and introduces students to the core principles of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Its aim is to develop and strengthen both oral and written communication skills essential for engaging with specialized historical and cultural content. In addition, the course supports the enhancement of students' English proficiency at the intermediate to advanced level (CEFR B1/B2), placing particular emphasis on academic vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and effective language use in scholarly contexts.
Subsequently, students are encouraged to reflect on popularization discourse, i.e., on how historical knowledge is communicated to broader, non-academic audiences. Through the analysis of various case studies, students will acquire both linguistic and methodological tools to engage critically with historical narratives.
While focusing on specialized texts, the course explores the distinctive features of academic discourse and introduces students to the core principles of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Its aim is to develop and strengthen both oral and written communication skills essential for engaging with specialized historical and cultural content. In addition, the course supports the enhancement of students' English proficiency at the intermediate to advanced level (CEFR B1/B2), placing particular emphasis on academic vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and effective language use in scholarly contexts.
Subsequently, students are encouraged to reflect on popularization discourse, i.e., on how historical knowledge is communicated to broader, non-academic audiences. Through the analysis of various case studies, students will acquire both linguistic and methodological tools to engage critically with historical narratives.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will:
- have acquired the language skills necessary to critically understand a variety of text types;
- be able to demonstrate an awareness of different forms of historical storytelling, including their purposes, structures, organization, and impact;
- have gained familiarity with key concepts and theories related to English for Specific Purposes (ESP), with a particular focus on English for Academic Purposes (EAP);
- have developed an understanding of the tools and codes commonly used in the popularization of history, and how these can be effectively employed to achieve specific communication goals;
- be able to assimilate and interpret information, express themselves, and communicate in English—both orally and in writing—at an intermediate to advanced level (B1/B2), while making independent critical evaluations;
- have enhanced their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies.
- have acquired the language skills necessary to critically understand a variety of text types;
- be able to demonstrate an awareness of different forms of historical storytelling, including their purposes, structures, organization, and impact;
- have gained familiarity with key concepts and theories related to English for Specific Purposes (ESP), with a particular focus on English for Academic Purposes (EAP);
- have developed an understanding of the tools and codes commonly used in the popularization of history, and how these can be effectively employed to achieve specific communication goals;
- be able to assimilate and interpret information, express themselves, and communicate in English—both orally and in writing—at an intermediate to advanced level (B1/B2), while making independent critical evaluations;
- have enhanced their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies.
Lesson period: Second 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
Surname A-L
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will introduce students to English for Academic Purposes (EAP), fostering the development and consolidation of the skills required to read, comprehend, analyse, and present specialist texts orally. The approach adopted will be not only linguistic and functional but also historical and cultural, with particular attention paid to the evolution of academic and scientific language and to the rhetorical strategies employed in the communication and dissemination of knowledge over the centuries.
Throughout the course, students will explore the specialist vocabulary and the grammatical, syntactic, and discourse features that characterize the principal genres of academic writing. They will also be introduced to linguistic analysis tools and methodologies that will enable them to analyse and critically evaluate specialist texts independently, including texts not discussed during the course, while developing transferable skills applicable to their own disciplinary fields.
Throughout the course, students will explore the specialist vocabulary and the grammatical, syntactic, and discourse features that characterize the principal genres of academic writing. They will also be introduced to linguistic analysis tools and methodologies that will enable them to analyse and critically evaluate specialist texts independently, including texts not discussed during the course, while developing transferable skills applicable to their own disciplinary fields.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is open to all students who have English-language proficiency at the intermediate level (B1 CEFR) or equivalent.
Teaching methods
The course is taught entirely in English and is designed to integrate theory and practice through a variety of teaching methods aimed at fostering students' active participation and the progressive development of the linguistic and communicative competences required for English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Teaching activities will include:
* lectures;
* reading, analysis, and discussion of authentic materials, including representative texts illustrating the historical development of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and the communication and dissemination of academic knowledge;
* practical exercises with immediate feedback;
* guided linguistic analysis aimed at identifying the main lexical, grammatical, and discourse features of EAP;
* viewing and analysis of audiovisual materials to support comprehension and discussion;
* discussions and presentations on topics relevant to students' disciplinary fields;
* the use of web applications and digital tools to promote an active, reflective, and autonomous approach to learning, analysing, and producing academic texts in English.
Teaching activities will include:
* lectures;
* reading, analysis, and discussion of authentic materials, including representative texts illustrating the historical development of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and the communication and dissemination of academic knowledge;
* practical exercises with immediate feedback;
* guided linguistic analysis aimed at identifying the main lexical, grammatical, and discourse features of EAP;
* viewing and analysis of audiovisual materials to support comprehension and discussion;
* discussions and presentations on topics relevant to students' disciplinary fields;
* the use of web applications and digital tools to promote an active, reflective, and autonomous approach to learning, analysing, and producing academic texts in English.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
Programme for 6 CFU
* Lecture slides and additional teaching materials will be made available online through the Ariel platform.
* Garzone, Giuliana. 2019. Specialized Communication and Popularization in English. Rome: Carocci.
* Selected chapters from Pecorari, Diane, and Averil Coxhead. Introducing English for Academic Purposes. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. (Further reading instructions will be provided during the course.)
Recommended Reading for Non-Attending Students (programme for 6 CFU)
* Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students.
Recommended Text for Language Consolidation
* Murphy, Raymond. 2012. English Grammar in Use: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Programme for 6 CFU
* Lecture slides and additional teaching materials will be made available online through the Ariel platform.
* Garzone, Giuliana. 2019. Specialized Communication and Popularization in English. Rome: Carocci.
* Selected chapters from Pecorari, Diane, and Averil Coxhead. Introducing English for Academic Purposes. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. (Further reading instructions will be provided during the course.)
Recommended Reading for Non-Attending Students (programme for 6 CFU)
* Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students.
Recommended Text for Language Consolidation
* Murphy, Raymond. 2012. English Grammar in Use: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is conducted in English and consists of both a written and an oral part.
The written examination will assess the topics covered during the course and will include both theoretical questions and practical exercises.
The oral examination will consist of an academic presentation on a topic relevant to the student's field of study, involving the analysis of a specialist text. Detailed guidelines and assessment criteria will be provided during the course.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office ([email protected] or [email protected]).
The written examination will assess the topics covered during the course and will include both theoretical questions and practical exercises.
The oral examination will consist of an academic presentation on a topic relevant to the student's field of study, involving the analysis of a specialist text. Detailed guidelines and assessment criteria will be provided during the course.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office ([email protected] or [email protected]).
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Ravizza Eleonora Natalia
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ravizza Eleonora NataliaSurname M-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course will introduce students to English for Academic Purposes (EAP), fostering the development and consolidation of the skills required to read, comprehend, analyse, and present specialist texts orally. The approach adopted will be not only linguistic and functional but also historical and cultural, with particular attention paid to the evolution of academic and scientific language and to the rhetorical strategies employed in the communication and dissemination of knowledge over the centuries.
Throughout the course, students will explore the specialist vocabulary and the grammatical, syntactic, and discourse features that characterize the principal genres of academic writing. They will also be introduced to linguistic analysis tools and methodologies that will enable them to analyse and critically evaluate specialist texts independently, including texts not discussed during the course, while developing transferable skills applicable to their own disciplinary fields.
Throughout the course, students will explore the specialist vocabulary and the grammatical, syntactic, and discourse features that characterize the principal genres of academic writing. They will also be introduced to linguistic analysis tools and methodologies that will enable them to analyse and critically evaluate specialist texts independently, including texts not discussed during the course, while developing transferable skills applicable to their own disciplinary fields.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is open to all students who have English-language proficiency at the intermediate level (B1 CEFR) or equivalent.
Teaching methods
The course is taught entirely in English and is designed to integrate theory and practice through a variety of teaching methods aimed at fostering students' active participation and the progressive development of the linguistic and communicative competences required for English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Teaching activities will include:
* lectures;
* reading, analysis, and discussion of authentic materials, including representative texts illustrating the historical development of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and the communication and dissemination of academic knowledge;
* practical exercises with immediate feedback;
* guided linguistic analysis aimed at identifying the main lexical, grammatical, and discourse features of EAP;
* viewing and analysis of audiovisual materials to support comprehension and discussion;
* discussions and presentations on topics relevant to students' disciplinary fields;
* the use of web applications and digital tools to promote an active, reflective, and autonomous approach to learning, analysing, and producing academic texts in English.
Teaching activities will include:
* lectures;
* reading, analysis, and discussion of authentic materials, including representative texts illustrating the historical development of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and the communication and dissemination of academic knowledge;
* practical exercises with immediate feedback;
* guided linguistic analysis aimed at identifying the main lexical, grammatical, and discourse features of EAP;
* viewing and analysis of audiovisual materials to support comprehension and discussion;
* discussions and presentations on topics relevant to students' disciplinary fields;
* the use of web applications and digital tools to promote an active, reflective, and autonomous approach to learning, analysing, and producing academic texts in English.
Teaching Resources
· Lecture slides and additional teaching materials will be made available online through the Ariel platform.
· Garzone, Giuliana. 2019. Specialized Communication and Popularization in English. Rome: Carocci.
· Selected chapters from Pecorari, Diane, and Averil Coxhead. Introducing English for Academic Purposes. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. (Further reading instructions will be provided during the course.)
Recommended Reading for Non-Attending Students
· Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students.
Recommended Text for Language Consolidation
· Murphy, Raymond. 2012. English Grammar in Use: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
· Garzone, Giuliana. 2019. Specialized Communication and Popularization in English. Rome: Carocci.
· Selected chapters from Pecorari, Diane, and Averil Coxhead. Introducing English for Academic Purposes. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. (Further reading instructions will be provided during the course.)
Recommended Reading for Non-Attending Students
· Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students.
Recommended Text for Language Consolidation
· Murphy, Raymond. 2012. English Grammar in Use: A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Learners of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is conducted in English and consists of both a written and an oral part.
The written examination will assess the topics covered during the course and will include both theoretical questions and practical exercises.
The oral examination will consist of an academic presentation on a topic relevant to the student's field of study, involving the analysis of a specialist text. Detailed guidelines and assessment criteria will be provided during the course.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office ([email protected] or [email protected]).
The written examination will assess the topics covered during the course and will include both theoretical questions and practical exercises.
The oral examination will consist of an academic presentation on a topic relevant to the student's field of study, involving the analysis of a specialist text. Detailed guidelines and assessment criteria will be provided during the course.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office ([email protected] or [email protected]).
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Ravizza Eleonora Natalia
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ravizza Eleonora NataliaProfessor(s)