95418 - English Linguistics Exercise 1 (Lm)

Learning outcomes

The language classes (36 hours, held by Nigel James) are the practical part of Prof. Fusari's English Linguistics 1 course (see its programme here). They aim to consolidate and expand students' language skills, with particular emphasis on oral and writing skills, and to broaden critical reading skills. Language classes will train students in argumentative and expository academic writing, and they will involve class discussion on notions presented in written work. For exam preparation, emphasis will be placed on writing extended essays and academic essays in English, especially on the issue of diastratic variation. This topic will be analyzed during language classes, through the use of a class materials booklet ("dispensa") assembled by Nigel James. Prof. James will make the dispensa available online for students to download. The issue of diastratic (social) variation cuts across theory and practice in this course, as it is also analyzed with language corpora during Prof. Fusari's lectures.

Course contents

The language classes (36 hours, held by Nigel James) aim to consolidate and expand students' language skills, with particular emphasis on oral and writing skills, and to broaden critical reading skills. Language classes will train students in argumentative and expository academic writing, and they will involve class discussion on notions presented in written work. For exam preparation, emphasis will be placed on writing extended essays and academic essays in English, especially on the issue of diastratic variation. This topic will be analyzed during language classes, through the use of a class materials booklet ("dispensa") assembled by Nigel James. The dispensa will be made available to students through the university repository https://virtuale.unibo.it . The issue of diastratic (social) variation cuts across theory and practice in this course, as it is also analyzed with language corpora during Prof. Fusari's lectures. More specifically, the course will focus on English as a Lingua Franca, English in the European Union, African American English, Caribbean English, Singlish as well as future scenarios. These concern the dominance and future of English and the question of whether English may be replaced as the global lingua Franca.

Readings/Bibliography

Dispensa made available online in Virtuale by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Practical languages classes.

Assessment methods

The examination relating to the language classes accounts for 1/3 of the final grade. For all students, both attenders and non-attenders, the written exam will consist of a 500-word essay on a theme connected to topics dealt with during the course. The written exam lasts 90 minutes and is held once for each exam session. Students have to pass the exam before they can register their overall final mark on Alma Esami. The essay will be assessed at level C2 of the Common European Framework from various aspects: appropriateness of argumentation relating to the topic; presentation (layout, spelling, punctuation); structure/organization (application of academic writing criteria, cohesion/coherence), and lexicogrammatical and discursive accuracy of the standard academic English required.

Written exams may not be repeated if the student has obtained a score of at least 18/30. Marks obtained remain valid for 4 exam sessions.

Written exams take place once in each exam session. Orals take place twice for each exam session. It is not obligatory to pass the two exam components (lectures and language classes) in the same exam session, but it is not possible to register the final mark for the course until all exam components have been passed.

Teaching tools

PPT and dispensa

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities

We suggest that you contact the relevant university office ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ), Prof. Fusari and Dr. James to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams. Any requests for accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the lecturer and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it , for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

Office hours

See the website of Sabrina Fusari