Institutional Communication in English
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer an introduction to the theory and practice of the language of politics in an international setting, with particular reference to the Anglo-American world. Students will be introduced to communication theory, linguistics and rhetoric, and will practice analyzing texts (from political speeches to media texts) in order to develop awareness of communication techniques and manipulative language devices.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will have learned:
- the main models of communication
- basic notions of linguistics and rhetoric
- specialized vocabulary in the field of politics
- idioms in the field of politics and the media
- analysis tools to interrogate the language of politics
- the main models of communication
- basic notions of linguistics and rhetoric
- specialized vocabulary in the field of politics
- idioms in the field of politics and the media
- analysis tools to interrogate the language of politics
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
The course aims to provide students with tools for the comprehension, analysis and production of political and institutional language in English-speaking contexts, and focuses on three aspects.
1. Specialised lexicon and idiomatic expressions related to political-institutional discourse
2. Main functions and genres of political-institutional communication, with practice and simulations of text production
3. Comprehension, analysis and discussion of texts relating to current case studies of political-institutional discourse in English-speaking contexts
1. Specialised lexicon and idiomatic expressions related to political-institutional discourse
2. Main functions and genres of political-institutional communication, with practice and simulations of text production
3. Comprehension, analysis and discussion of texts relating to current case studies of political-institutional discourse in English-speaking contexts
Prerequisites for admission
The minimum requirement for students to profitably attend the course is a level of English language competence matching the B2 level in the CEFR. The exit level is set at B2 plus / C1 of the CEFR. Students whose competences do not meet the minimum entry requirements must autonomously fill any gaps in their preliminary knowledge of English. To this end, the following book is recommended:
- Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. With keys.
- Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use. Intermediate. With keys.
Teaching methods
The course comprises a mix of lectures and practical tasks, so students are expected to actively participate in class. The development of skills and competences is crucial; for this reason, students will be required to work assiduously on the development and consolidation of political and institutional English skills through constant critical practice. The teaching methods used will draw from applied functional linguistics, especially from the English-speaking tradition. The working language is English.
Teaching Resources
- Mooney, Annabelle, Betsy Evans 2023. Language, Society and Power: An Introduction. 6th edition. Milton Park: Routledge.
All the material provided on Ariel:
- slides shown during the course,
- grammar exercises and tasks,
- authentic texts to study and analyse,
- any other additional material used during the course.
Recommended grammar book:
- Hewings, Martin. Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
All the material provided on Ariel:
- slides shown during the course,
- grammar exercises and tasks,
- authentic texts to study and analyse,
- any other additional material used during the course.
Recommended grammar book:
- Hewings, Martin. Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. With keys.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and aims to ascertain students' competences - both theoretical and applied - in respect of the topics and language varieties discussed during the course. In particular, students will have to prove their competence in using the structures of English (B2 plus / C1 level), and to be familiar with the key functions and genres of political and institutional English.
The exams comprises 35 closed-questions testing the competence acquired in political and institutional English (30 minutes, no dictionary allowed), and the production of a short (200-250 words) English text for political and institutional communication, about a topic and genre illustrated during the course (60 minutes, monolingual dictionary only allowed).
The exam tests both the theoretical knowledge relating to the characteristics of this specialized language, and the applied skills (both passive - reading - and active - production). The final evaluation (expressed out of 30 points) is based on knowledge of the concepts covered in the course and on lexical and grammatical correctness, textual cohesion and communicative efficacy, according to the standards taught and practiced.
Continuous assessment may be implemented for attending students, in the form of texts and/or presentations to be produced or given at scheduled times during the course.
The exams comprises 35 closed-questions testing the competence acquired in political and institutional English (30 minutes, no dictionary allowed), and the production of a short (200-250 words) English text for political and institutional communication, about a topic and genre illustrated during the course (60 minutes, monolingual dictionary only allowed).
The exam tests both the theoretical knowledge relating to the characteristics of this specialized language, and the applied skills (both passive - reading - and active - production). The final evaluation (expressed out of 30 points) is based on knowledge of the concepts covered in the course and on lexical and grammatical correctness, textual cohesion and communicative efficacy, according to the standards taught and practiced.
Continuous assessment may be implemented for attending students, in the form of texts and/or presentations to be produced or given at scheduled times during the course.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Grego Kim Serena
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Grego Kim SerenaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Pls make an appointment at: https://shorturl.at/Oq4Fu
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