ENGLISH LANGUAGE 2
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
An intermediate (B1) proficiency in English is required. Students who do not have a B1 level are required to engage in self-learning activities to meet the entry requirements.
By the end of the academic year, students are expected to achieve B2+ to C1 CEFR level. This level will be assessed with a written and an oral exam.
WRITTEN EXAM
The written exam is a test of B2+/C1 English skills, as well as linguistic knowledge. Marks range from 1 to 30 (minimum of 18 to pass). It lasts 90 minutes and includes tasks on:
- Use of English;
- Reading comprehension (questions on the comprehension of a written text);
- Listening comprehension (questions on the comprehension of an audio file);
- Writing (writing of a text, for example an email, a letter, a report, or a memo);
- Multiple-choice quiz on English Linguistics.
Dictionaries are not allowed. To be admitted to the oral exam, student must pass the written exam. The written exam mark is valid for one year.
ORAL EXAM
The oral exam is a test of B2+/C1 speaking and listening skills. The exam comprises a set of tasks to assess the acquisition of competences such as: giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion; describing, comparing, speculating; expressing agreement and disagreement; supporting and justifying your ideas. 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 further their theoretical knowledge of and applied communicative competences in English, in line with Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2+/C1 (upper-intermediate to advanced level). Moreover, the module introduces elements of English linguistics, to develop an awareness of the formal features and structures of the English language. Learning outcomes include:
• Comprehension of a wide range of texts, on different topics and in different linguistic registers;
• Ability to write different types of texts, as well as knowledge of the formal and structural characteristics of each textual type;
• Ability to recognise and describe linguistic features of the English language (phonetics, morphology, lexis, syntax, semantics, pragmatics);
• Ability to express ideas fluently and effortlessly, 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 reading, writing, and critical thinking skills with sessions on formal elements of English linguistics (phonology, morphology, lexis, syntax, semantics, pragmatics), essential for an informed approach to the analysis of English language. Tutorials develop listening and speaking skills, and are aimed to acquire 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 tasks and exercises. In-class individual and teamwork activities are designed to provide opportunities to acquire hands-on reading, writing, and linguistic 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.