ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
An advanced (at least CEFR C1) proficiency in Italian is required, as well as a CEFR B2 in English. Students who do not meet these language requirements are to complete pre-sessional language courses and/or engage in self-learning and autonomous study.
By the end of the academic year, students are expected to achieve C1 CEFR level. This level will be assessed with a written and an oral exam.
WRITTEN EXAM
The written exam comprises three parts:
• An English essay that evidences the acquisition of C1-level English skills (duration: 75 minutes);
• A test (20 multiple-choice questions) on the theoretical topics covered in the module (duration: 30 minutes);
• A translation from English into Italian of a ~250-words text (duration: 60 minutes).
Dictionaries are allowed only for the translation part. To be admitted to the oral exam, student must pass all three parts of the written exam, with a minimum required mark of 18/30 in each component. Failing one part results in failing the whole written exam. The written exam marks are valid for one year.
ORAL EXAM
The oral exam is a test of C1 speaking and listening skills. The exam comprises a set of tasks to assess the acquisition of competences such as: giving information and expressing opinions; interacting with others; developing and expressing complex ideas; evaluating, negotiating, speculating; expressing agreement and disagreement; supporting and justifying your ideas; presenting on a topic for a long time. Marks range from 1 to 30 (minimum of 18 to pass).
The final mark will be the average of the marks of the written and the oral part.
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their English skills for interlinguistic mediation in line with Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level C1, with particular attention to different language styles and cultural contexts. Moreover, the module provides students with knowledge of translation theory and competences in translation practice. Through linguistic and contextual analysis, students learn to choose the most appropriate translation strategies to translate a variety of general and specialised texts. Learning outcomes include:
• Comprehension of a wide range of long and complex texts in different linguistic registers, as well as disambiguation of nuanced meaning differences;
• Ability to write well-organised and detailed texts on complex topics, as well as knowledge of formal and structural features of different text types;
• Knowledge of translation theories and practice in relation to a wide range of different text type, as well as practical skills to apply such knowledge in professional contexts;
• Ability to express ideas fluently and effortlessly, using idioms and idiomatic expressions, as well as effective use of English for social, academic, and professional purposes.
The module runs throughout the year and comprises lectures and tutorials. Lectures alternate sessions on advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills with sessions on English-Italian translation theory and practice. In order to encourage a reflective approach to translation, particular attention is paid to the macro- and micro-linguistic features of the texts analysed. Tutorial sessions develop listening and speaking skills, and are aimed to acquire advanced communicative competences in different contexts (social, academic, professional).
The module comprises two weekly classes: one lecture with the module convenor and one tutorial with the tutor. Students are required to engage actively with the module material both in class and at home, carrying our writing assignments and translation tasks. In-class individual and teamwork activities are designed to provide opportunities to acquire hands-on reading, writing, and translation skills. Tutorials and self-learning activities are an integral part of the module. Regular attendance to and active participation in the lectures and tutorials is therefore highly recommended.
Students are also expected to complement in-class study with self-learning, for example making use of the resources available on the university e-learning system (Page: Laboratorio Linguistico di S. Abbondio folder: “Materiale online per lo studio autonomo”). Further module materials, such as PowerPoint presentations, will also be available on the e-learning platform.
Office hours:
Please get in touch with Dr Mastropierro to arrange a meeting.