Degree Course in Intercultural and Interlinguistic Mediation
English Language Institutions, History and Culture (2024-2025)
Professor Paola Baseotto

Teaching objectives
The course aims to provide the necessary tools for the acquisition and/or enhancement of specialized knowledge of the cultural, social and political dynamics of the United Kingdom and the United States of America in both diachronic and synchronic perspectives. The main objective of the course is the students’ acquisition of the metalinguistic skills which are crucial for an effective mediation between Italy and the numerous nations influenced in various ways and degrees by British and American language, media and institutions.
Upon completion of this course, students will possess in-depth knowledge of the following:
• the main British and American cultural, political, and social contexts;
• the genesis and development of these contexts;
• the global influence of these contexts.

Entry requirements
Since classes will be held in English, an adequate degree of language comprehension (≥ B1) is required.
Course contents
The course will provide a comprehensive overview of the linguistic, historical, social, and political realities of the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In particular, the following topics will be covered:
• history
• population – national, ethnic, and local identities
• politics and government
• international relations
• the legal system
• education
• the media
Teaching activity
Face to face teaching (60 hours) is integrated with interactive activities such as guided reading of important documents, viewing of videos, classroom discussions.

Learning Assessment
The evaluation will be based on a written test consisting of 10 open-ended and/or multiple choice questions (15 minutes – 1 mark for each correct answer) and 2 essay questions (30 minutes – 0-10 marks for each answer) on the contents of the course, i.e. the compulsory texts and the materials uploaded on the e-learning platform in the section dedicated to the course. Pass score is ≥ 18/30. Questions are in English. English or Italian may be used in answers.
Texts and teaching materials
1) J. Oakland, British Civilization. An Introduction, Routledge, 2020, 9th edition,
ISBN 978-1138318144, chapters 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11.

2) D. Mauk, A. Tomas Tønnessen, J. Oakland, American Civilization. An Introduction, Routledge, 2022, 8th edition,
ISBN 978-0367620943, chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13.

3) materials uploaded on the e-learning platform http://elearning3.uninsubria.it/ in the section dedicated to the course.
Office hours
By appointment (paola.baseotto@uninsubria.it)