English I

The course aims to present the main features of English from both a theoretical and an applied perspective. In particular, the course will introduce practical notions in English phonetics and phonology, as well as selected aspects of morphology and word formation strategies. It will then focus on developing students' critical listening and reading skills, as well as their knowledge of grammar. Parallel to these linguistic competences, students will also develop an awareness of the concept of language variation, both in relation to diatopic variation (varieties of English across the world) and in the context of diatypic variation (functional varieties linked to specific areas of language use) The required entry level is the B1 level of the CEFR. A working knowledge of Italian is also required. The exit level is set at the B2 level of the CEFR.

By the end of the course students will have reached B2-level competences in English and will be able to master all the fundamental skills (especially listening and reading). They will be familiar with intermediate (B2) level English grammar, in particular verb tenses. They will be able to discuss non-specialized subjects in English. They will have acquired an awareness of the different varieties of English used across the world, and will be able to recognize and use the language strategies which characterize selected domains, with special regard for academic English (with special regards for the domain of linguistics) and English for tourism.