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English Language and Translation
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course English Language and Translation 2 provides a theoretical and methodological introduction to the study of Pragmatics as applied to written texts (both scientific and aesthetic). At the same time, it aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve, by the end of the course, communicative proficiency in English corresponding to an upper-intermediate level in both oral and written comprehension and production. In general, the programme aims to foster knowledge and the ability to understand, analyse, and interpret original texts in English. It also encourages critical reflection and the autonomous design of analytical and interpretive activities, drawing on the methodologies learned in class.
Specifically, the curriculum is designed to develop a solid command of both spoken and written English, accompanied by an in-depth understanding of tools for linguistic and especially textual analysis, also from an intercultural perspective. On a practical level, students will be able to comprehend and use the English language effectively, and to critically interpret aesthetic texts and other types of documents, placing them within their appropriate historical and cultural contexts.
Independent judgment will be nurtured through the ability to identify, select, and critically rework data and content in an informed manner, with particular attention to scientific and ethical issues relevant to their field of study. This will support the development of decision-making skills grounded in the knowledge acquired.
In terms of communication, students will be encouraged to interact with native speakers and specialists of the culture in question, and to express themselves clearly and appropriately on cultural topics in both academic and outreach contexts, including through argumentative writing. Collaborative participation in classroom settings will be particularly valued.
Finally, the programme promotes a continuous learning mindset, equipping students with the methodological tools needed to pursue further higher-level studies independently and in line with the training received.
Course Prerequisites
The student—especially if not attending classes—must have an intermediate level of English language proficiency, as well as a basic knowledge of English phonetics, morphology, and syntax.
Passing the exam of English Language and Translation I is required for all the students. Students enrolled before 2021 must also have passed the English Literature I exam.
Teaching Methods
Class lectures are held in English through the analysis of case studies, simulations and exercises together with mock tests. The lecturer's lessons will be held in the first semester. Throughout the academic year (in both the first and second semester), practical exercises with language experts (CELs) are also scheduled and are considered an integral part of the programme.
Assessment Methods
The examination consists of a written language test and an oral interview to ascertain the students' theoretical awareness and the ability to apply it to text-stylistic analyses as well as the ability to analytically discuss the course topics.
The two tests are administered jointly. The language test, which consists of a series of grammar exercises aimed at assessing the level reached in English, is preparatory to the oral examination, which consists of an interview during which knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the pragmatic syllabus will be tested.
Language in which the exam is conducted: English
Grading criteria: The final grade may vary from 18/30 to 30/30 depending on the level of accuracy and completeness of the oral interview and the correct use of methodologies and theories as well as mastery of the English language. The minimum grade (18/30) is attributed when the student demonstrates uncertain or partial mastery in the application of knowledge, limited to the basic fundamentals of the various topics covered, and a minimum mastery of the English language in arguing and presenting his/her theses.
The highest grade (30/30) is awarded when the student demonstrates complete and thorough mastery in the application of the theoretical knowledge and methods of analysis studied and is able to solve the problems addressed in a critical and accurate manner, while showing a high command of the English language in arguing and presenting his/her theses without uncertainty.
Summa cum laude is awarded when the student demonstrates an absolute mastery of theoretical and methodological content, the ability to relate the various topics covered in a cross-cutting manner and is able to present the topics with excellent expressive skills.
Texts
-Beville, Aoife. 2022. Telling Tales in Shakespeare’s Drama: A Pragma-Stylistic Approach to Lying. Napoli: Paolo Loffredo Editore Srl.
-Culpeper, Jonathan, and Michael Haugh, 2014. Pragmatics and the English Language. London. Palgrave Macmillan.
-Del Villano, Bianca. 2023. La parola e la cura. Il discorso medico nel Seicento inglese. Napoli: Editoriale Scientifica.
- Del Villano, Bianca. 2018. Using the Devil with Courtesy. Bern: Peter Lang.
Contents
1. Pragmatics: definition and domains of the discipline;
2. History of pragmatics (Austin, Searle, Grice);
3. Interpersonal pragmatics and (im)politeness theory (Brown and Levinson; Culpeper);
4. Interdisciplinary models (pragmatics, conversation analysis, textual linguistics);
5. English Historical pragmatics;
6. Pragmatics and translation;
7. Pragmatics of scientific texts;
8. Pragmatics of play texts.
Course Language
English
More information
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the course will include:
a module dedicated to the study of the dialogic dynamics distinctive of twentieth-century Anglo-American detective fiction, explored through the pragmatic analysis of conversational exchanges in English drawn from film and television narratives;
a module focusing on the seventeenth century medical text in English.