English Language and Culture
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course is aimed at the development and consolidation of the skills of written understanding and oral presentation of texts and specialized topics of a historical and cultural nature. It also seeks to enhance, at the intermediate-advanced level (level B1/B2 of the CEFR), knowledge related to the lexicon, grammar and the use of the English language.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have acquired the language skills necessary to understand different text types; will know the historical highlights of the English-speaking countries presented in the classroom and will be able to understand specialized texts. The student will also be able to assimilate and interpret the information received, express himself and communicate in English (both orally and in writing) at an intermediate-advanced level, and make autonomous critical assessments. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources, which will take place from time to time, will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning. Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and contact the instructor via email or during office hours.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Edizione I semestre
Lesson period
First semester
Lectures will be delivered remotely, principally in synchronous format via Teams.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
In case of necessity, the exam will take place remotely through SEB+Moodle and Teams.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
In case of necessity, the exam will take place remotely through SEB+Moodle and Teams.
Course syllabus
Part A: Academic reading and critical thinking for History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first part aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Part B: British, Irish and American culture and presentation skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.).
Part C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third part aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
The first part aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Part B: British, Irish and American culture and presentation skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second part aims at providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historical topic within its culture. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.).
Part C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third part aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific requisites.
Teaching methods
The course is lecture-based, but students are expected to actively participate in the lessons to consolidate knowledge, competence, and specific language. Discussion with the instructor is an integral part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge. Classes will be taught in English.
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to lectures, the course features also team works and/or individual papers.
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to lectures, the course features also team works and/or individual papers.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A and B)
Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"
Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A, B and C)
Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their proficiency in both written and spoken English, at an intermediate/advanced level. Course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize with the themes and topics of the course, non-attending students should also study the following textbook:
- J. O'Driscoll, Britain for Learners of English, Student's Book, Oxford, OUP, 2009, ISBN 978-0194306447
International and Erasmus students are recommended to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a specific syllabus (available in English) for the exam.
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A and B)
Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"
Suggested textbooks:
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A, B and C)
Textbooks:
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their proficiency in both written and spoken English, at an intermediate/advanced level. Course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize with the themes and topics of the course, non-attending students should also study the following textbook:
- J. O'Driscoll, Britain for Learners of English, Student's Book, Oxford, OUP, 2009, ISBN 978-0194306447
International and Erasmus students are recommended to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a specific syllabus (available in English) for the exam.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is divided up into a written test and an oral discussion, both compulsory. Continuous assessment may be implemented for attending students, in the form of interim tests.
The written test consists of a Reading Comprehension with 10 multiple-choice questions and 10 multiple-choice questions on the course syllabus. For 9 CFU there will be 10 more multiple-choice questions on module C.
In the oral discussion, students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and contextualize the texts in the course syllabus. The results of the written test will be posted on Ariel before the oral exam. Only students who have passed the written test can take the oral exam.
Evaluation criteria include the ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; critical thinking; quality of exposition; competence in the use of specialist lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
The final score is the average of the scores obtained in the various parts and is expressed in thirtieths. Students may accept or reject the result, in which case the record will be "ritirato".
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
The written test consists of a Reading Comprehension with 10 multiple-choice questions and 10 multiple-choice questions on the course syllabus. For 9 CFU there will be 10 more multiple-choice questions on module C.
In the oral discussion, students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and contextualize the texts in the course syllabus. The results of the written test will be posted on Ariel before the oral exam. Only students who have passed the written test can take the oral exam.
Evaluation criteria include the ability to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; critical thinking; quality of exposition; competence in the use of specialist lexicon, efficacy, clarity.
The final score is the average of the scores obtained in the various parts and is expressed in thirtieths. Students may accept or reject the result, in which case the record will be "ritirato".
The format of the exam for students with disabilities should be arranged in advance with the professor, as well as the relevant office.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Edizione II semestre
Lesson period
Second semester
Lectures will be delivered partly live with simultaneous streaming online, and partly remotely, according to a timetable that each lecturer will publish on the course page on Ariel.
Course syllabus
Title of the course: English Language and Culture
Module A: Academic reading and critical thinking for History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first module aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module B: British, Irish and American culture and written skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second module aims at introducing students to the strategies of academic writing for History. Students will be provided with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historic topic within its culture when writing an academic essay. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.), as well as with the main techniques of academic writing.
Module C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third module aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
Module A: Academic reading and critical thinking for History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first module aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module B: British, Irish and American culture and written skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second module aims at introducing students to the strategies of academic writing for History. Students will be provided with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historic topic within its culture when writing an academic essay. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.), as well as with the main techniques of academic writing.
Module C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third module aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the instructor in the classroom is an integral part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to lectures, the course features also team works and/or individual papers.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
In addition to lectures, the course features also team works and/or individual papers.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A and B).
Textbooks:
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese".
Suggested textbooks:
- J. M. Swales & C. B. Feak, Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills, Ann Arbor, MI, University of Michigan Press, 2012, ISBN: 978-0472034758
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A, B and C)
Textbooks:
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"
Suggested textbooks:
- J. M. Swales & C. B. Feak, Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills, Ann Arbor, MI, University of Michigan Press, 2012, ISBN: 978-0472034758
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their proficiency in both written and spoken English, at an intermediate/advanced level. Course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize with the themes and topics of the course, non-attending students should also study the following textbook:
- J. O'Driscoll, Britain for Learners of English, Student's Book, Oxford, OUP, 2009, ISBN 978-0194306447
International and Erasmus students are recommended to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a specific syllabus (available in English) for the exam.
- Programme for 6 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A and B).
Textbooks:
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese".
Suggested textbooks:
- J. M. Swales & C. B. Feak, Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills, Ann Arbor, MI, University of Michigan Press, 2012, ISBN: 978-0472034758
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
- Programme for 9 cfu:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (modules A, B and C)
Textbooks:
- G. Ludbrook, English for History and Philosophy, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 2000, ISBN: 88-85613-90-X
- P. Thompson & D. Ronder, Past Simple: Learning English through History, Study Book, Garnet Education, 2012, ISBN: 978-1859645291
- An English grammar textbook of choice (level intermediate/advanced), such as: R. Murphy, English Grammar in Use, A Self-Study Reference and Practice Book for Intermediate Students of English, Cambridge University Press, 2012, ISBN 978-0521189064
Classroom material and slides provided on the Ariel website of the course "Civiltà e lingua inglese"
Suggested textbooks:
- J. M. Swales & C. B. Feak, Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills, Ann Arbor, MI, University of Michigan Press, 2012, ISBN: 978-0472034758
Non-attending students:
Like attending students, non-attending students will have to prove their proficiency in both written and spoken English, at an intermediate/advanced level. Course bibliography is the same as the one for attending students. To familiarize with the themes and topics of the course, non-attending students should also study the following textbook:
- J. O'Driscoll, Britain for Learners of English, Student's Book, Oxford, OUP, 2009, ISBN 978-0194306447
International and Erasmus students are recommended to promptly get in touch with the professor to arrange a specific syllabus (available in English) for the exam.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Title of the course: English Language and Culture
Module A: Academic reading and critical thinking for History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first module aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module B: British, Irish and American culture and written skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second module aims at introducing students to the strategies of academic writing for History. Students will be provided with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historic topic within its culture when writing an academic essay. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.), as well as with the main techniques of academic writing.
Module C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third module aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
Module A: Academic reading and critical thinking for History, 20 hours - 3 credits
The first module aims at introducing students to the strategies of reading and comprehension of texts and historical sources in English. Texts related to the history and culture of English-speaking countries will provide students with the critical and research tools necessary to analyse the different types of historical sources.
Module B: British, Irish and American culture and written skills, 20 hours - 3 credits
The second module aims at introducing students to the strategies of academic writing for History. Students will be provided with the tools and knowledge necessary to contextualize an historic topic within its culture when writing an academic essay. Students will familiarise with the different cultural aspects of the English-speaking countries (especially UK, Ireland, and U.S.A.), as well as with the main techniques of academic writing.
Module C: Focus on English grammar and academic lexis, 20 hours - 3 credits
The third module aims at reinforcing and improving the knowledge and use of the English grammar and lexicon useful for research, also through the reading and analysis of specialist texts.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH
Lessons: 20 hours