B2473 - Language with Oral and Written Practical Exercises (Second Language English) I

Learning outcomes

This course introduces intermediate English learners to key topics in the scientific study of English with the methods and insights of modern usage-based and cognitive linguistics (phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, discourse; language acquisition, language processing, language variation, world Englishes).

Students will also develop intermediate oral and written communication skills, integrating academic content with real-world English usage. The course features structured practice of key speaking and writing micro-skills to support both academic and professional success.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Identify and analyze key linguistic phenomena related to English language use.
2. Demonstrate understanding of language variation and its social implications through structured oral and written tasks.
3. Deliver clear, well-organized academic presentations using appropriate register and discourse strategies.
4. Participate actively and appropriately in academic discussions, showing awareness of turn-taking and interactional norms.
5. Write academically appropriate texts (e.g., short essays, recommendations, summaries) using formal language and sociolinguistic terminology.
6. Use micro-skills in speaking and writing to support critical thinking and argumentation about language issues.

 

Course contents

This course covers both traditional and contemporary approaches to English linguistics:

• Phonetics and phonology 
• Morphology, lexical semantics
• Syntax, the functions of syntax
• Semantics and pragmatics, politeness
• Origins of English, standardization and language change
• Sociolinguistics and language attitudes
  
• Psycholinguistics and language acquisition
• Research ethics and methods in linguistics

Readings/Bibliography

Required text book:

Mullany, L. and Stocwell, P. (2026). Studying the English Language. A resource book for students. Third Edition. Routledge English Language Introductions. ISBN: 978-1-032-56394-7.

 

Optional (recommended as a text in English sociolinguistics)

Jones, R. & Themistocleous, C. (2022). Introducing Language and Society. Cambridge University Press.

Supplemental material available on companion website: www.cambridge.org/jones-themisocleous

Teaching methods

The course is organised into two weekly classes. During class 1 each week students practice their academic receptive and integrated language skills in English (reading, listening, taking notes) including exposure to variation in English (across speakers, accents, registers). In Class 2 students mostly practice their speaking and writing micro-skills. In order to actively participate in class activities, students are encouraged to keep up with the assigned materials covered each week. 

Speaking Micro-skills Practiced:

• Giving formal presentations on sociolinguistic topics

• Expressing opinions clearly and persuasively

• Introducing new ideas in academic discussion

• Asking conditional and hypothetical questions

• Talking about past habits and sociolinguistic trends

• Using discourse linkers for cohesion and clarity

• Managing turn-taking in group discussions

• Evaluating ideas, situations, and viewpoints

• Emphasizing key arguments

• Speculating about present, past, and future language use

Writing Micro-skills Practiced:

• Structuring and formatting a written presentation

• Choosing appropriate register (formal, neutral, informal)

• Differentiating between formal and informal writing styles

• Taking effective notes from academic sources

• Making written recommendations based on sociolinguistic data

• Giving written advice using academic tone and evidence

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a 90 minute written test with three short academic essays essay (300-400 words each) and an oral exam on a different day, following the written exam.

Topics for both the written and the oral exam are taken from the topics covered during the course. 

Learning assessment scale:

30-30L (excellent): Excellent, in-depth knowledge of the course content, excellent ability to apply theoretical concepts, excellent exposition, as well as excellent capacity for critical analysis.

27-29 (above average): Accurate and extensive knowledge of content, good ability to apply theoretical concepts, ability for critical analysis, accurate and correct exposition.

24-26 (generally sound): Appropriate content knowledge, fair ability to apply theoretical concepts and to present content.

21-23 (sufficient): Appropriate but not extensive knowledge of content, partial ability to apply theoretical concepts, presentation of content acceptable.

18-20 (minimum): Sufficient but superficial knowledge of content, simple exposition, uncertainties in the application of theoretical concepts.

Failed (insufficient): Fragmented and superficial knowledge of content, errors in applying concepts, poor exposition. The exam must be repeated.

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact the University service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students. The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Teaching tools

Slides, multi-media material available on Virtuale and on the  website www.cambridge.org/jones-themisocleous

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Bencini