78705 - English Linguistics 2 (LM)

Learning outcomes

The global aim of this course is to provide students with an expert knowledge on the use of language and other semiotic systems in contemporary discourse. Including lectures and language classes, the course covers a number of aspects of English linguistics in order to develop a critical understanding of the relationship between discourse and society and to strengthen English language proficiency. Students will be able to identify and describe metalinguistic factors and semiotic resources at play in discourse as they will be provided with theoretical knowledge related to one or more of the following areas of English linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicology, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, stylistics, corpus linguistics, multimodality and social semiotics. Theories and concepts will be applied to samples of authentic texts (written and/ or spoken, belonging to different registers), including the use of language and multimodal corpora as sources of examples. Language classes aim to improve students’ linguistic competence; over the two-year period, students’ knowledge of English should reach level C2 according to the European framework in all four abilities. These classes will work in connection with the lectures to improve students’ writing skills in particular.

Course contents

The course provides students with an insight to the theoretical and practical understanding of the function of the English language in a multicultural and monolingual society, accordingly the importance of critical thinking in communication.

Analysis will focus on micro and macro linguistic elements in both spoken and written discourse as well as cultural and psychological aspects which influence it.

Course duration: 60 hours

Readings/Bibliography

Given the ongoing emergency situation, detailed information regarding reference material will be communicated during the first lesson so that the needs of off-campus students can be met as those students which have physical access to the University’s libraries.

Students are strongly asked to sign up as participants of the VIRTUALE platform in order to receive direct notices via email.

Specific Reference Material will be uploaded on the course’s VIRTUALE platform.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons are followed up by applied activities (reading, listening and viewing) and completed with analysis, student feedback and discussions.

Teaching Modality: Online.

Assessment methods

Oral skills will be developed during the course. A written and oral exam will be held after course completion.

Exam Modality: Online.

Teaching tools

Didactic material will be made available on the course's online platform VIRTUALE . Students will be required to download available documents and to regularly check for updates.

All students must have MS TEAMS and ZOOM correctly installed with their Unibo credentials.

ATTENTION:

Given the instability of the Covid19 emergency situation, this program, first published in July 2020, is subject to change with regards to methods of teaching, didactic material, and/or exams. Timely communication will be given through an update of this program, as well as through appropriate notices published on the usual institutional channels: notices published on the teacher’s web-page, and on the LILEC program website.

Office hours

See the website of Antonietta Iacoviello