74775 - English Language (12 Cfu) (M-Q)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are expected to acquire both active and passive ability to communicate in English, to be able to read, take notes and take part in discussions in English, to be able to understand and comment upon specialized discourse types of English, namely political texts and media texts which comment upon politics.

Course contents

The use of the English language, and its power as a means of persuasion in the political setting. Focus will be placed on the micro and macro linguistic elements used, as well as their psychological impact. Aspects will range from classic rhetoric to new modern day elements.

Readings/Bibliography

Textbook:

-The Language of Persuasion in Politics - Alan Partington and Charlotte Taylor. Routledge.

The e-book is available through Amazon for kindle, or directly from the Routledge web-site:

https://www.routledge.com/The-Language-of-Persuasion-in-Politics-An-Introduction-1st-Edition/Partington-Taylor/p/book/9781138038486

Teaching methods

All lessons are conducted in English. During the first monographic lesson all details of the course and the teaching tools used will be presented. Teaching methods with  include the support of slides, audiovisual aids, web sources, and the use of teaching material via IOL. Students are expected to participate with active feedback and discussions.

* N.B.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the current health emergency, teaching will be carried out with the blended modality:

The first part of the course (grammar - 30 hours) will be offered in-class and on line via MS TEAMS in first semester by the tutor, while the second part of the course (monographic - 30 hours) will be conducted by the teacher on line via MS TEAMS in second semester.

The first part (grammar) foresees the students to be divided according to their linguistic skills which will be determined by an entry level test held in September before the start of classes.

The number of students allowed in class is determined on the basis of class capacity and by the health and safety provisions that deal with the pandemic emergency. In case student request to attend classes is above that permitted by regulations, shifts will be organized in order to allow students to participate. Regardless of the health-related conditions and the specific organization of the course, students will be able to follow the lessons of the course remotely on MS TEAMS.

Assessment methods

Students must first pass a prerequisite grammar test in order to be admitted to the monographic exam. The final mark will be determined by an average of the two marks, with more weight given to the monographic mark.

Students are expected to have a B1 language entry level, and according to their final mark will exit with a B2 level (25/30 and up).

All students will receive an informative email with all technical information regarding the online exam procedure for both the prerequisite test and final exam once each exam list closes.

Teaching tools

Materials will be made available on the University's online platform VIRTUALE. Students will be required to download available documents and to regularly check for updates.

All students must have MS TEAMS and ZOOM correctly installed via Unibo credentials. 

 

ATTENTION:

Given the instability of the Covid19 emergency situation, this program, first published in July 2020, is subject to change with regards to methods of teaching, didactic material, and/or exams. Timely communication will be given through an update of this program, as well as through appropriate notices published on the usual institutional channels,: notices published on the teacher’s web-page, and on the website of the SPOSI Program.

Office hours

See the website of Antonietta Iacoviello