Degree Course in Intercultural and Interlinguistic Mediation
English 1 (2023-24)

Professor Paola Baseotto

CFU SSD Lessons Practice Language Lab Year
Language
10 L-LIN12 60 60 English

Teaching objectives
The course aims to provide theoretical knowledge and applied skills appropriate to Upper-Intermediate level English (level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference). These skills will be taught in a wide ranging context with particular attention to the acquisition of communication skills appropriate to professional life.

Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be users of English at B2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). In particular they will be able to:

• understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation;
• interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party;
• produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Entry requirements
The required entry level for the first year of Mediation is B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
If their linguistic abilities are insufficient (i.e., below B1), students will be offered guided learning sessions.

Course contents
The course will be devoted to the analysis of the morphology, syntax, and vocabulary of Upper Intermediate English (level B2). Particular attention will be given to Business English and the development of oral and written production and comprehension skills. The course will examine the relationship between linguistic structures and the socio-cultural conventions of contemporary English, as well as the specific vocabulary required for the role of linguistic-cultural mediator.
Practical lessons (‘esercitazioni’) are essential elements of the course. In accordance with the agreement between Insubria University and Cambridge Assessment English exam sessions will be organised at Insubria University for students wishing to sit for Cambridge certificates.

Teaching activity
Face-to-face teaching is integrated with supported independent study through multimedia resources and guided activities.

Teaching activity in detail: a total of 60 hours of face-to-face teaching, consolidation and development of skills through guided independent learning, practice in the classroom (oral interaction and guidance and instruction for written composition), complementary activities carried out via the e-learning platform.

Learning Assessment

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the first year, knowledge of the English language will be equivalent to B2. Students’ learning will be regularly assessed during the year. Students who have an official certificate of English Language at B2 level or higher, awarded by certifying bodies recognised by MUR, will be exempted from the written exam and can proceed directly to the oral test.

The final exam involves a written exam and an oral exam with marks out of 30.

WRITTEN EXAM - use of dictionary not permitted – exam duration: 90 minutes.
- reading comprehension (questions based on a written text)
- cloze test/gap-filling: (insertion of lexical and/or grammatical elements in the empty spaces in a written text)
- listening comprehension (questions based on an audio passage)
- composition of a brief text in English (email, letter, report or memo) based on a provided outline which includes description of the task, contextualising information, indication of expected length.

Students who pass the written exam (≥ 18/30) will be allowed to take the oral exam. The result of the written exam is valid for 12 months.

ORAL EXAM
Interview in English on general topics. Students may also be required to offer comments on photographs, short videos, and/or short texts.

Office