69469 - English Language and Culture III (Second Language)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to understand and produce a wide range of written texts and complex oral discourse in English, expressing himself/herself fluently and spontaneously

Course contents

The course delves into the complex linguistic and cultural aspects of English, exploring the relationship between language, culture and discourse.


The linguistic analysis will make use of the main theories of pragmatics (how language acts in the world)-with a focus on politeness-and semantics, from a contrastive and cross-cultural perspective, to highlight the deep relationships between culture, language and discourse. Topics such as humor, verbalization of emotions, politeness and empiricism will be covered, in relation to the cultural scripts (Wierzbicka, Goddard) of the English language.


Students will explore these concepts by analyzing a wide range of texts (written and audiovisual).

Readings/Bibliography

Compulsory:

A. Wierbizcka (2006) English: Meaning and Culture. Oxford university press (chapters: 1, 4, 6,8).

Other literature references will be given at the beginning of the course and made available to students on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

Most lessons will be delivered lecture-style supported by slides and students will be encouraged to participate actively in lessons through group work and discussions.

Assessment methods

written exam, with three open-ended questions on the course content.


More information about the exam and lettorato will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Teaching tools

Lessons are conducted in English and, where appropriate, multi-media learning supports will be employed (especially PowerPoint and Internet)

Office hours

See the website of Valentina Vetri