78700 - English for Specific Purposes 2 (LM)

Learning outcomes

The global aim of this course - which includes lectures and language classes - is to improve students’ communicative skills and provide them with a sophisticated knowledge of selected aspects of the English language and culture also in order to allow them to compete for jobs in the international sector. More particularly, lectures will enable students to think critically about specific varieties of English in connection with their context of production and of reception. This aim will be achieved by providing students with theoretical knowledge taken from linguistics and sociolinguistics, as well as through close readings of authentic texts. Specific varieties of English taught in this course are aligned with the aims of this degree and include institutional discourse as represented in two or more of the following varieties of English: the language of politics, legal English, the language of healthcare and the language of economics. Language classes aim at improving 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

1^st module (30 hours)

This module aims to consolidate and enhance students’ language skills, particularly as regards speaking, as well as encouraging a critical reading of specific texts.

The module will provide an introduction to the relationship between language and institutions, with an analysis of the language of institutional and media discourse and examining its contribution to the creation of media styles and genres, including political discourse. Focus will be both on written and spoken language.

More specifically, the first module will deal with topics such as racist discourses, social actor analysis, political discourse, and the discourses of the new capitalism. The module will also address Social Skills Training, particularly as regards negotiating, assertiveness and persuasion.

Authentic texts will be used as examples.

The overall aim of the module is to develop students’ ability to recognise the ways in which power is disseminated in institutional, media or political discourse.

2^nd module (30 hours)

The second module focuses on a critical reading of institutional and political discourse with particular focus on its multimodal representation.

The module will provide a theoretical overview of multimodal analysis, with particular attention to implied subtexts and ideological implications with a view to developing a critical understanding of institutional and political discourse.

Authentic texts will be used as examples and material for discussion and hands-on sessions.

The overall aim of the module is to develop students’ ability to recognise the ways in which power is disseminated in institutional, media or political discourse also through multimodal features.

Language classes

Through the language classes, students will be able to put into practice analysis of language, style and attitude of songs and poems of war and civil rights.

The classes aim, on the one hand, to consolidate and expand students' language skills, with particular emphasis placed on critical reading and writing skills.

The language classes will train students in expository academic writing, involve class discussion on the analysis of texts. For exam preparation, emphasis will be placed on writing academic essays in English.

Readings/Bibliography

Module one

For attending students, materials will be indicated by the lecturer at the start of the course.

Suggested reading also includes:

Mumby D.K. (ed) (1993) Narrative and social control : critical perspectives, Newbury Park, CA : Sage,

Simpson P., Mayr A. & Statham S. (2018) (2nd ed.) Language and Power. A Resource book for students, London: Routledge.

For non-attenders:

Simpson P., Mayr A. & Statham S. (2018) (2nd ed.)Language and Power. A Resource book for students, London: Routledge.

Module two

For attending students, materials will be indicated by the lecturer at the start of the course.

Suggested reading also includes sections from:

- Kress, G. & van Leeuwen, T. (1996). Reading Images. The Grammar of Visual Design. New York and London: Routledge (Introduction, Chapters 1, 2, 4 and 6)

- Hall, S., Evans, J., & Nixon, S. (Eds.). (2013). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: SAGE Publications, Ltd. (Chapters 1 and 4)

For non-attenders:

- Kress, G. & van Leeuwen, T. (1996). Reading Images. The Grammar of Visual Design. New York and London: Routledge (Introduction, Chapters 1, 2, 4 and 6)

- Hall, S., Evans, J., & Nixon, S. (Eds.). (2013). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: SAGE Publications, Ltd. (Chapters 1 and 4)

Material on the Virtual Learning platform.

 

Material for the language classes (dispensa) will be available on the Virtual Learning platform.

Teaching methods

Lectures will alternate with activities involving reading, listening to  and watching materials in English, combined with guided analysis and discussion of the texts as well as individual and group presentations. Active participation from the students in the discussions and the other activities is an essential part of the learning process and exam preparation.

Assessment methods

Module 1

Attenders:

Written exam concerning course contents plus an evaluation of the interactive activities during the course.

Non-attenders:

Written exam based on the textbook Simpson P., Mayr A. & Statham S. (2018) (2nd ed.) Language and Power. A Resource book for students, London: Routledge.

Oral exam based on the contents of two 'threads' chosen by the student from the textbook Simpson P., Mayr A. & Statham S. (2018) (2nd ed.) Language and Power. A Resource book for students , London: Routledge (e.g. 'thread' 5 includes the chapters A5 B5 C5 D5, 'thread' 8 includes A8, B8 C8 D8).

Module 2

Attenders:

End-of-course written exam concerning course contents, plus an evaluation of the interactive activities during the course.

Non-attenders:

Written exam based on sections of the following textbooks:

- Kress, G. & van Leeuwen, T. (1996). Reading Images. The Grammar of Visual Design. New York and London: Routledge.

- Hall, S., Evans, J., & Nixon, S. (Eds.). (2013). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: SAGE Publications, Ltd.

Further details will be provided in due course.

English for Specific Purposes 2 – language classes: 33% of the overall course mark

Exam (esercitazioni)

For all students, the written exam will consist of a 500-word compare-contrast essay on two poems/songs on the theme of war/civil rights. All material is contained in the course handout (dispensa). The written exam lasts 120 minutes and is held once per exam session. Students have to pass the exam before being able to register their overall final mark on almaesami. The essay will be assessed at the C2 level 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.

 

Nb: the final mark for ESP2 requires passing Module 1, Module 2 and the language practice exam.

The mark for Module 1 and Module 2 makes up 66.6% of the overall course mark.

Teaching tools

Authentic texts in English, Internet, Powerpoint

Office hours

See the website of Jane Helen Johnson

See the website of Valeria Reggi