ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS

Course objectives

The course objective is twofold: on one hand it aims to consolidate and increase basic English language skills (as identified by level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference) through listening, speaking, writing and reading practices. On the other hand, the course intends to provide students with appropriate critical tools for the metalinguistic analysis of specific textual typologies typical of institutional communication (such as political speeches) conveyed through traditional and 'social' media. The course is divided into two components: a monographic part delivered by the course lead and a part of language activities delivered by native speaker readers. The monographic component of this course focuses on the use of language in specific politics and international relations contexts. Throughout the course, specific examples on the use of English in political, institutional, diplomatic and mass communication contexts will be analyzed from linguistic and pragmatic-discursive points of view. Through practical examples, the relationship between language and power will be highlighted with a specific focus on politics as a discursive practice. The monographic course is accompanied by lettorati, a set of language activities aimed at developing the students' main linguistic skills (reading, writing, speaking) and focusing on consolidating English syntax, phonetics, and pragmatics. Please note: the course is delivered jointly to first-year and second-year students (9 and 6 CFUs respectively). For differences in course delivery and assessment please read the following sections.

Channel 1
FRANCO ZAPPETTINI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Classes are delivered in English by the course lead and comprises lectures and seminars where the interactive participation of the students is required. The course focuses on the use of language in the specific contexts of politics and international relations. Taking inspiration from authentic documents such as newspaper articles and videos produced in the English-speaking political world, specific examples relating to the use of the English language in political, institutional, diplomatic, international relations and mass communication will be analysed. Through practical examples and authentic materials, the relationship between language and power will be highlighted with a specific focus on politics as a discursive practice and on the relevant linguistic forms (rhetorical strategies, figures of speech, metaphors, metonymies, etc). The course materials are made available on the Classroom platform which, however, is to be considered supplementary and not a substitute for the lessons. For lettorati materials, please refer to the relevant Classroom pages.
Prerequisites
Students are expected to have a B2 language level at the start of the course. Possession of this level is tested with an entry test (placement test) at the beginning of the year. Extra classes (lettorati) will be available throughout the year to students who do not meet this requirement.
Books
No specific texts are required for the monographic course; the activity materials are uploaded to Classroom. For lecturers, please refer to any texts recommended by lecturers. Invia commenti
Frequency
Recommended for monographic course and lettorati for students who meet the entry requirements. Students who do not meet the minimum entry requirement on the placement test are required to attend the lettorati classes. Working students or students who do not attend will take ownership of their linguistic abilities and study independently on Classroom materials.
Exam mode
The exam will test students on the contents of the course and is divided into a written and an oral component. Both components contribute to the assessment of the learning outcome (final grade). To enter the oral exam, students must pass the written exam in the same appello. The written test is administered on the Classroom platform and requires students to bring their own laptop or tablet and earphones (phones are not suitable ). The written test consists of listening and reading exercises on the basis of which students will have to carry out some comprehension activities (true/false; choice between multiple answers; gap filling). The oral test requires students to discuss texts from the monografico classes + 1 of choice (on a political subject). Students will provide a linguistic analysis of the chosen item demonstrating their ability to apply the theoretical bases received in the monographic course.
Lesson mode
The monographic part of the course is delivered in English by the course lead and comprises lectures and seminars where the interactive participation of the students is required.
  • Lesson code10606612
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseInternational Relations and Supranational Institutions
  • CurriculumRelazioni internazionali e istituzioni sovranazionali (percorso valido per il conseguimento del doppio titolo italo-francese)
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDL-LIN/12
  • CFU9