ENGLISH LANGUAGE 2
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
A B2 proficiency in English is required. Students who do not have a B2 level are required to engage in self-learning activities to meet the entry requirements, such as courses on the Macmillan English Campus (MEC) platform or remedial classes with tutors. Tutoring: optional but highly recommended revision, strengthening and exam preparation activities led by a tutor. These activities will take place in small groups via Teams. Any useful information will be provided in class and via a specific notice on the platform.
By the end of the academic year, students are expected to achieve B2+ to C1 CEFR level. Assessment of this level will be based on: (1) Macmillan English Campus (MEC) courses; (2) a written and an oral exam.
MEC COURSES
The MEC educational courses must be successfully completed before being able to register for the written and oral tests; therefore, completion of the MEC courses is a prerequisite for access to the written and oral tests.
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 60 minutes and includes tasks on:
- Writing (writing of a ~250-words text, for example an email, a letter, a report, or a memo, as required by the brief provided);
- 15 multiple-choice questions 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 text 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, lexicology, 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 assisted self-learning activities through the e-learning platform Macmillan English Campus (MEC). Each student will be enabled to use the MEC platform, which promotes the alignment of their entry skills and the achievement of the skills expected at the end of the year. The teachers will give information on the paths to complete and the relative timing. This information will be provided in class and via a specific notice on the platform. Completing assigned MEC paths is part of the module and a requisite to register for the exams.
Office hours
Please get in touch with Dr Mastropierro to arrange a meeting.