English for International Relations
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the language of political discourse in English. The course involves the close analysis of both of authentic political speeches and documents and press coverage of international affairs. The material will be also analysed in the light of theories on persuasion, communicative functions and the concepts of face and politeness.
Expected learning outcomes
The course is expected to develop: the overall ability to understand the fundamental ideas of complex texts about factual or abstract matters, including technical texts from the area of specialization (English for International Relations); the ability to understand oral discourse of a certain length and to follow a speakers arguments on a relatively familiar topic (English for International Relations); the ability to understand current affairs texts in which the author takes a positions or argues for a certain point of view (in the sphere of English for International Relations); the familiarity with some concepts and theories that underlie linguistic analysis of political discourse.
Lesson period: Third trimester
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
A-K
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
In case of a health emergency, the course will be taught online live, through MS Teams, and the recorded sessions will be uploaded on Ariel.
Exams will assess the same abilities, but may be administered either online, through MS Teams and Moodle + SEB / proctoring, or as oral interviews.
Exams will assess the same abilities, but may be administered either online, through MS Teams and Moodle + SEB / proctoring, or as oral interviews.
Course syllabus
Part 1 - Grammar Review
Grammatical revision of the main syntactic aspects to cover in order to consolidate the B2 level, with a focus on verb tenses and their use and function.
Part 2 - International Political Communication in English
International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
Part 3 - International Politics and the Media
Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
Part 4 - Skills Practice
Practical applications of the notions acquired in the previous parts of the course, focussing in particular on active production, i.e. speaking (public speaking) and writing (cohesion in writing) skills.
Grammatical revision of the main syntactic aspects to cover in order to consolidate the B2 level, with a focus on verb tenses and their use and function.
Part 2 - International Political Communication in English
International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
Part 3 - International Politics and the Media
Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
Part 4 - Skills Practice
Practical applications of the notions acquired in the previous parts of the course, focussing in particular on active production, i.e. speaking (public speaking) and writing (cohesion in writing) skills.
Prerequisites for admission
As detailed in the Course Prospectus, in order to take the English language exam required by the study plan, knowledge of the English language at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR / CEFR) is required. This level can be certified in the following ways: - by sending a language certification obtained no later than 3 years prior to the date of presentation of the same, level B2 or higher (for the list of language certifications recognized by the University, please refer to to the website: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/297/). The certification must be uploaded at the time of enrollment, or, subsequently, on the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue; - through the Placement Test, delivered by the SLAM University Language Center exclusively during the first year, from October to December. In case of failure of the test, it will be necessary to follow the courses provided by SLAM. The Placement Test is mandatory for all students who are not in possession of a valid certification. Those who do not take the Placement Test by December or do not pass the final test of the course within 6 attempts must obtain a paid certification within the year in which the language exam is scheduled. Further information here: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/competenze-linguistiche/placement-test-test-di-entry-e-corsi-di- inglese.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
Teaching methods
The course is lecture-based, but students are expected to actively participate in the lessons. The development of skills and competences is crucial; because of this, students will be required to work assiduosuly on the development and consolidation of academic and political English skills through constant critical practice. The teaching methods used will draw from applied functional linguistics, especially from the English-speaking tradition. Classes will be taught in English.
Teaching Resources
Adopted textbooks:
- Rogers, Louis & Dorothy Zemach. 2018. Skillful Second Edition Level 3 Reading and Writing Premium Student's Book Pack. London: Macmillan Education.
- Alan Partington 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Caroline M. de B. Clark. 2006. Views in the news. A textbook. Milan: LED.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
- Rogers, Louis & Dorothy Zemach. 2018. Skillful Second Edition Level 3 Reading and Writing Premium Student's Book Pack. London: Macmillan Education.
- Alan Partington 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Caroline M. de B. Clark. 2006. Views in the news. A textbook. Milan: LED.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Evaluation is exam based. The exam is in written form and aims to ascertain students' competences - both theoretical and in applied forms - in respect of the topics and language varieties discussed during the course and in the textbooks and materials in the reading list. In particular, students will have to prove their competence in using the structures of academic English (B2 level), and to be familiar with the key genres and linguistic structures of Political English.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Politics and the Media (part 2) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about the relationship between International Politics and the Media (part 3) (20 minutes), focussing on verb tenses and textual cohesion; no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the (parts 1 and 4) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points. Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Politics and the Media (part 2) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about the relationship between International Politics and the Media (part 3) (20 minutes), focussing on verb tenses and textual cohesion; no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the (parts 1 and 4) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points. Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Di Ferrante Laura, Grego Kim Serena
L-Z
Lesson period
Third trimester
In case of a health emergency, the course will be taught online live, through MS Teams, and the recorded sessions will be uploaded on Ariel.
Exams will assess the same abilities, but may be administered either online, through MS Teams and Moodle + SEB / proctoring, or as oral interviews.
Exams will assess the same abilities, but may be administered either online, through MS Teams and Moodle + SEB / proctoring, or as oral interviews.
Course syllabus
Part 1 - Grammar Review
Grammatical revision of the main syntactic aspects to cover in order to consolidate the B2 level, with a focus on verb tenses and their use and function.
Part 2 - International Political Communication in English
International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
Part 3 - International Politics and the Media
Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
Part 4 - Skills Practice
Practical applications of the notions acquired in the previous parts of the course, focussing in particular on active production, i.e. speaking (public speaking) and writing (cohesion in writing) skills.
Grammatical revision of the main syntactic aspects to cover in order to consolidate the B2 level, with a focus on verb tenses and their use and function.
Part 2 - International Political Communication in English
International political communication in English: themes, genres, registers, methods of speech and characteristic lexical uses. Analysis of some political speeches representative of different textual genres and highlights of recent history.
Part 3 - International Politics and the Media
Politics and the media. Textual genres and linguistic structures of journalistic discourse, processes of representation of international politics, lexicon referring to current affairs with reference to international relations. Case studies on international political and commercial issues. Analysis of official and popular texts produced by international organizations or mediated through the press.
Part 4 - Skills Practice
Practical applications of the notions acquired in the previous parts of the course, focussing in particular on active production, i.e. speaking (public speaking) and writing (cohesion in writing) skills.
Prerequisites for admission
In order to take the English language exam required by the study plan, knowledge of the English language at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR / CEFR) is required. This level can be certified in the following ways: - by sending a language certification obtained no later than 3 years prior to the date of presentation of the same, level B2 or higher (for the list of language certifications recognized by the University, please refer to to the website: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/297/). The certification must be uploaded at the time of enrollment, or, subsequently, on the portal http://studente.unimi.it/uploadCertificazioniLingue; - through the Placement Test, delivered by the SLAM University Language Center exclusively during the first year, from October to December. In case of failure of the test, it will be necessary to follow the courses provided by SLAM. The Placement Test is mandatory for all students who are not in possession of a valid certification. Those who do not take the Placement Test by December or do not pass the final test of the course within 6 attempts must obtain a paid certification within the year in which the language exam is scheduled. Further information here: https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/competenze-linguistiche/placement-test-test-di-entry-e-corsi-di- inglese.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
In order to attend the course, on the other hand, a B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe) is enough, that is: ability to understand the key points of familiar topics concerning work, school, leisure time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Students needing to fill gaps can make use of this or other B1 grammars:
Murphy, Raymond. Essential Grammar in Use. CUP. With keys.
It is understood that, to register for and take the exam, it is necessary to have obtained a B2 certification or taken the SLAM Placement Test, as specified above.
Teaching methods
The course is lecture-based, but students are expected to actively participate in the lessons. The development of skills and competences is crucial; because of this, students will be required to work assiduosuly on the development and consolidation of academic and political English skills through constant critical practice. The teaching methods used will draw from applied functional linguistics, especially from the English-speaking tradition. Classes will be taught in English.
Teaching Resources
Adopted textbooks:
- Rogers, Louis & Dorothy Zemach. 2018. Skillful Second Edition Level 3 Reading and Writing Premium Student's Book Pack. London: Macmillan Education.
- Alan Partington 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Caroline M. de B. Clark. 2006. Views in the news. A textbook. Milan: LED.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
- Rogers, Louis & Dorothy Zemach. 2018. Skillful Second Edition Level 3 Reading and Writing Premium Student's Book Pack. London: Macmillan Education.
- Alan Partington 2018. The Language of Persuasion in Politics. London: Routledge.
- Caroline M. de B. Clark. 2006. Views in the news. A textbook. Milan: LED.
All the material that will be provided on Ariel:
- Authentic texts to study and analyse and grammar exercises aimed at preparing for the exam.
- Additional suggested theoretical readings.
- Slides relating to the course's parts.
Recommended grammar:
- Raymond Murphy 2014. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Evaluation is exam based. The exam is in written form and aims to ascertain students' competences - both theoretical and in applied forms - in respect of the topics and language varieties discussed during the course and in the textbooks and materials in the reading list. In particular, students will have to prove their competence in using the structures of academic English (B2 level), and to be familiar with the key genres and linguistic structures of Political English.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Politics and the Media (part 2) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about the relationship between International Politics and the Media (part 3) (20 minutes), focussing on verb tenses and textual cohesion; no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the (parts 1 and 4) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points. Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
The exam comprises the following parts:
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about International Politics and the Media (part 2) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the notions and competences acquired about the relationship between International Politics and the Media (part 3) (20 minutes), focussing on verb tenses and textual cohesion; no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points. It will also test the students' linguistic skills.
- A closed-question test on the linguistic notions and grammatical skills acquired during the (parts 1 and 4) (20 minutes); no dictionary allowed. The test is composed of 30 items and the final mark is expressed out of 30 points.
The final mark is the average of the marks obtained in the various parts and is expressed out of 30 points. Continuous assessment may be implemented, in the form of interim tests.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Tiengo Adele
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. or by appointment
Room 106 or online via Teams
Reception:
Preferably email me for an app.t, but I'm in most days most of the time.
Room 103