- Docente: Henry Monaco
- Credits: 12
- SSD: L-LIN/12
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Anthropology, Religions, Oriental Civilizations (cod. 8493)
Learning outcomes
Understanding ideas from complex written and oral texts concerning concrete and abstract topics, especially in the field of academic disciplines. Developing an ability to express oneself as appropriately and as naturally as possible in the English language. Identifying types of writing, formal and informal, academic, argumentative, opinionated, scientific, rhetorical etc.
Course contents
Revision and study of intermediate English grammar (B1), with the aim of reaching the next upper intermediate level (B2-C1). Reading of various text genres, literary and academic to enhance a critical understanding and appreciation of the works of writing. Students will be expected to take an active part in the classes, to explain the authors' thinking and provide their own opinions. The reading passages will be highly varied, for example, the results of scientific research, reviews of art exhibitions, of films, psychology studies, works of literature, historical events etc. Contemporary issues of interest will also be examined.
Readings/Bibliography
Grammar and comprehension exercises along the lines of First Certificate di Cambridge/IELTS academic module.
Also, reading of some passages/chapters from the following books:
"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri (1999)"The Speckled People" by Hugo Hamilton (2003)
The two above-cited texts are core texts, but one of them can be replaced. for the oral test, by ONE of the following:
"Ask the Dust" by John Fante (1939)
Ten essays from "A History of the World in 100 Objects" by Neil MacGregor (2010)
"Sapiens. A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari (2015) Parts One, Two and Three)
"The Evolution Man" by Roy Lewis (1960)
"Watching the English. The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour" by Kate Fox (2004)
"Naples '44. A World War II. Diary of Occupied Italy" by Norman Lewis (1978)
Teaching methods
Lessons encouraging student feedback. Translation between L1 and L2 may be used as a teaching/learning tool. Attention will be paid to convergences/divergences between Italian and English. Handouts, slides, audio and video clips will be used. Students will be encouraged to take notes in order to sum up and express contents and concepts. Facts will be distinguished from opinions. Students will read aloud, there will be listening exercises and exchanges of opinions. English will be used as the prevalent means of expression. Good pronunciation and grammatical and lexical accuracy will be encouraged.
Assessment methods
The exam consists of two distinct parts:
Written Test: A text containing 30 questions: 15 multiple choice grammar items (four alternatives per question) and 15 word formation items. Time available: 45 minutes. No dictionaries or other aids allowed. Minimum pass is 18 out of 30 to be admitted to the oral.
Oral test:
Reading aloud and translation, contextualisation, thoughts, comments and analysis of the following two books:
"Interpreter of Maladies" di Jhumpa Lahiri (1999) (nine stories)
"The Speckled People" di Hugo Hamilton (2003) (whole novel).
The student may choose to substitute ONE of the two texts above with ONE chosen from the books listed in the Readings/Bibliography section. The student will be required to have the book in paper format (not e-book) in order to take the oral test.
Teaching tools
Handouts, video and audio clips. Materials will be uploaded onto Teams (Files section), in the Teaching Materials on my own Home Page, or in the Virtuale platform.
Office hours
See the website of Henry Monaco