Ateneo - UPO

METALINGUISTIC AWARENESS AND LANGUAGE SKILLS.

English Language Magistrale I aims to investigate and discuss academic writing by combining a theoretical metalinguistic/metatextual approach, and practical approach. Primary objectives of English Language Magistrale I are practical activities (written and oral) in the area of (inter-)disciplinary communication in the Humanities (LM 37).

CORE learning objectives of the course are:
- to identify the main genres of academic writing as well as their salient structural features;
- to describe the rhetorical-linguistic processes of academic communication across disciplines;
- to be able to read and comment on the original texts under study, identifying basic elements (specific terminology and lexical density, morpho-syntactic choices, hedging, boosting, stance and engagement strategies).

A more ADVANCED objective is the development of critical reflections through the comparison of the original texts under examination (e.g., academic articles from various disciplinary fields): discussing,through significant examples, the linguistic choices and discursive strategies in relation to broader theoretical aspects.

Lecture-based teaching (DE) + interactive classroom teaching (DI) (1.2 ECTS, 30 hours)
Independent study (4.8 ECTS)

PRACTICAL CLASSES:

CORE learning objectives are:
- to learn specialised terminology and distinguish it from everyday vocabulary;
- to learn the structure of complex sentences and the logical functions of subordination in order to apply them correctly;
- to identify linguistic patterns and formulaic expressions in academic discourse;
- to identify the different sections of an argumentative essay;
- to describe a process/procedure and interpret results.

A more ADVANCED objective is the development of critical reflections on rhetorical-stylistic choices in encoding written texts for academic and professional purposes.

The 6 CFU to be earned refer to the "use of English" and are essentially interactive in nature.
Interactive classroom teaching (DI) + Independent study.

The course general contents and specific topics, language skills and activities, the end-of-course examination, as well as the assessment criteria applied, refer to C1 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

Language skills at an advanced level: min. B2+, but C1 is preferred (CEFR).

Please check Admission requirements for the MA Lingue, Culture, Turismo: https://disum.uniupo.it/it/didattica/corsi-di-laurea/lingue-culture-turismo-foreign-languages-cultures-tourism-laurea-doppio-titolo-aa-20252026

The course will be held from October to June.

The use of handbooks for the theoretical approach will be supported by authentic materials for the analysis of the linguistic features and the rhetorical strategies under scrutiny.

The assessment process includes an oral discussion (English Linguistics Specialistica A), along with a written exam (Lingua Inglese Esercitazioni Specialistica, practical classes/esercitazioni).

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The oral exam (in person) includes a discussion on English Linguistics Specialistica A course contents.

Practical classes/ Lingua Inglese Esercitazioni Specialistica written exam will in person (exam sessions).

Oral interaction and communication skills, language competence, and fluency (discourse structure, pronunciation, lexis, morphosyntax, and linguistic appropriateness) will be assessed by prof. E. Lonati.

English Linguistics Specialistica A oral exam and language assessment are worth 60%, Lingua Inglese Esercitazioni Specialistica/practical classes written exam is worth 40%.

Students will pass their exam if they get 18/30 in both these didactic units.

The final grade is calculated on a weighted assessment basis.

With reference to the 'Intended learning objectives' (see below), the following grades correspond to different skills:

18-22/30: minimal knowledge of the syllabus, poor command of expression;
23-25/30: a largely mechanical and/or rote-based knowledge of the subject matter, limited vocabulary and expression;
26-28/30: a substantially accurate presentation, with some minor imperfections (language and content);
29-30 lode: a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the topics covered, excellent command of expression, advanced use of language.

Honours will be awarded based on the accuracy, depth, and capacity for critical elaboration of the responses.

Further information on the assessment process are included in English Linguistics Specialistica A syllabus, and Lingua Inglese Esercitazioni Specialistica/practical classes syllabus.

ENGLISH LINGUISTICS A LM37 SECOND LEVEL

Introduction to EAP: research aims and paths, and main functions of academic writing.

Genres in academic writing: abstract, extended abstract, journal article, essay, literature review, report writing.

Text structure(s) and 'critical thinking': interpretation and argumentation.

Grammatical complexity and lexical density in specialised texts.

Corpus-based linguistic analysis (AntConc, version 4.3.1. and later, see https://www.laurenceanthony.net/software/antconc/) to identify frequent patterns and multiword expressions (e.g., lexical bundles, collocations, colligations).

Academic prose and its scientific, interpersonal, and communicative functions: register variation and disciplinary community (community of practice).

Academic writing and sociolinguistic issues. Stance and Engagement: identity and authorial representation.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING 2° LEVEL

User’s awareness in interdisciplinary written/oral interaction in the Humanities.

Lexis: specialised terminology in academic setting and disciplinary usage vs. everyday communication and general vocabulary.

Morphosyntax: embedded phrases and phrase structure, adverbs and adverbials, text and discourse functions of modality/modals, subordination and logical functions.

Style: the role of patterning and recursive structures in academic writing; formulaic language and (inter)disciplinary conventions.

Text structure and discourse issues: paragraphs and sections in argumentative essays.

Academic and professional writing: introducing and providing evidence, describing processes/procedures, argumentation and data interpretation.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

English Language Magistrale I will foster a critical approach to the discussion of the main academic and disciplinary texts and genres, for the humanities, and for special contexts and purposes.

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Metalinguistic awareness and language practice in the decoding process will foster the related process of encoding, and students will be able to write a variety of texts for different communicative aims in the academic context. Students will be able to organise and write a medium-length argumentative essay, for general and/or specific professional purposes (ESP).

At the minimum PASS level, students should demonstrate the acquisition of the fundamental knowledge and skills of course content and their appropriate application.

At an ADVANCED level, students should demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the course content, critical analysis skills and the ability to independently apply the acquired knowledge, advanced command of the language.

For details, see Mission and Assessment Methods.

Linguistic knowledge and language understanding will be used at a practical level, and applied to many disciplinary research and professional contexts.