Theoretical Linguistics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing a deeper learning in theoretical Linguistics for those students who have already had a basic training in Linguistics and for those ones who have already had an exam in Linguistics; for this reason, the course is obligatorily propaedeutic to the other L-LIN/01 exams offered by LM-37 degree course. The course deals with the structural features that characterize the languages of the world, with regard either to their universal tendencies, and the domains of their mutual divergences. The course also aims to offer a knowledge of the history of linguistic thought and hermeneutic paradigms that have succeeded each other over time.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: At the end of the course, the student will have acquired specialized knowledge and skills related to Theoretical Linguistics, as result both of a deeper and more conscious understanding of the structures and the phenomena that characterize the languages of the world, and of a detailed consideration and critical awareness of the general, theoretical and methodological coordinates within the topics of the course are placed.
Skills: At the end of the course, the student will be asked to describe exactly the topics proposed and to report them with highly critical awareness, in order to show her/his adequate and deep possession of the methodological instruments and the founding notions of linguistic sciences. The student will be asked to be able to describe and to frame specific topics proposed into the more general horizon of Western linguistic reflection, its history and the different theoretical paradigms. The student should be able to identify and to explain clearly the specific phenomena exhibited by the languages of the world, and she/he should be able to interpret the empirical dimension with and thanks to the theoretical, methodological, and metalinguistic coordinates offered by the sciences of language and the course.
Skills: At the end of the course, the student will be asked to describe exactly the topics proposed and to report them with highly critical awareness, in order to show her/his adequate and deep possession of the methodological instruments and the founding notions of linguistic sciences. The student will be asked to be able to describe and to frame specific topics proposed into the more general horizon of Western linguistic reflection, its history and the different theoretical paradigms. The student should be able to identify and to explain clearly the specific phenomena exhibited by the languages of the world, and she/he should be able to interpret the empirical dimension with and thanks to the theoretical, methodological, and metalinguistic coordinates offered by the sciences of language and the course.
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course aims to provide students who have a basic linguistic background - and who have therefore already an exam of 'Linguistics' - with an in-depth understanding of topics in the linguistic sciences, which is also a compulsory prerequisite for all other modules within the SSD GLOT-01/A of the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programmes in Languages and other degree programmes. The course aims to outline the structural characteristics of historical-natural languages, in relation both to the universal tendencies they share and to the features that distinguish them from one another, as observed within a range of empirical examples drawn from various languages around the world. The course also aims to provide an understanding of the history of metalinguistic reflection and the hermeneutic paradigms that have emerged over time.
Prerequisites for admission
The course (Type A; 40 hours, 6 ECTS) is aimed at students on Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes who have a basic background in linguistics and who have therefore already passed an examination in Glottology and/or General Linguistics. This course is a compulsory preparatory module for all other examinations within the GLOT-01/A academic discipline 'Glottology and Linguistics' offered by the Master's Degree programme and the Bachelor's Degree programme in Languages, and constitutes an essential prerequisite for them.
On the Ariel website for the 2026-2027 General Linguistics (Languages) course, students will find all the latest information regarding the 2026-2027 academic year, the lecture timetables, and full details and updates on activities, the syllabus and teaching materials relevant to the course.
Students with disabilities (DSL) may contact the lecturer ([email protected]) to discuss and arrange alternative arrangements for coursework and the examination, in consultation with the reference Office.
On the Ariel website for the 2026-2027 General Linguistics (Languages) course, students will find all the latest information regarding the 2026-2027 academic year, the lecture timetables, and full details and updates on activities, the syllabus and teaching materials relevant to the course.
Students with disabilities (DSL) may contact the lecturer ([email protected]) to discuss and arrange alternative arrangements for coursework and the examination, in consultation with the reference Office.
Teaching methods
The course is offered in a lecture format in Italian. Teaching materials are available online on the Ariel e-learning platform of the 'Theoretical Linguistics' (course 2026-2027), in order to give the attending students tools and occasions for a deeper theoretical reflection and critical awareness.
Teaching Resources
A- Bibliography for attending students:
. N. Grandi - C. Mauri (a cura di), "La tipologia linguistica. Unità e diversità nelle lingue del mondo", Roma, Carocci, 2022;
. E. Jezek, "Lessico. Classi di parole, strutture, combinazioni", Roma, Carocci, sec.ed. 2025.
. Didactic materials available on the site Ariel 2026-2027.
B- Bibliography for non attending students:
. In addition to the bibliography in A, non attending students are requested to study:
. N. Grandi, "Fondamenti di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, sec.ed. 2022.
Validity of the course: february 2028.
. N. Grandi - C. Mauri (a cura di), "La tipologia linguistica. Unità e diversità nelle lingue del mondo", Roma, Carocci, 2022;
. E. Jezek, "Lessico. Classi di parole, strutture, combinazioni", Roma, Carocci, sec.ed. 2025.
. Didactic materials available on the site Ariel 2026-2027.
B- Bibliography for non attending students:
. In addition to the bibliography in A, non attending students are requested to study:
. N. Grandi, "Fondamenti di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, sec.ed. 2022.
Validity of the course: february 2028.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment methods and criteria: the exam involves an oral, individual interview in Italian, in order to ascertain either learning outcomes concerning the specific topics proposed by the course, or the ability to report them with critical and autonomous awareness, by using a strongly theoretical approach and a precise and adequate metalanguage.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course ([email protected]). Also students with disabilities (SLD) should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course ([email protected]). Also students with disabilities (SLD) should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
GLOT-01/A - Historical and General Linguistics - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Biondi Laura
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 9.00-12.00 (First Semester). Tuesday, 16.30-18.30, Wednesday, 9.00-10.00 (II Semester)
Microsoft Teams Platform. Please, contact the teacher via email.