54
English Language and Translation
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate competence in the analysis of English text and, specifically, of specialised text. Students will be able to:
- Understand the function of linguistic variations and genre conventions
- Demonstrate comprehension of specialised written texts of various genres (such as promotional, institutional, scientific, and business language) in English, with a comparative perspective on Italian
- Develop awareness of linguistic issues related to multilingualism and multiculturalism
- Analyse documents in specialised fields, also identifying potential textual difficulties that may arise in translation
- Use appropriate grammatical, lexical, and idiomatic structures of the English language
- Comprehend and comment on specialised essays and scientific contributions in English
- Collect and interpret study data critically and operatively
- Acquire, develop, and apply knowledge of sector-specific themes relevant to translation (mastery of conceptual systems, reasoning methods, presentation standards, terminology and phraseology, specialised sources, etc.).
- Analyse specialised texts and justify one’s analyses using appropriate metalanguage and applying adequate theoretical approaches
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and methodological tools necessary to:
- Achieve proficiency in the English language corresponding to an advanced level
- Perform linguistic, stylistic, textual analyses and evaluations of communicative effectiveness of written (and oral) texts in specialised and sector-specific fields
- Solve problems related to the analysis and evaluation of informative and communicative texts
- Identify elements, values, and cultural references in written or oral texts (including presuppositions, allusions, and stereotypes) and write according to cultural conventions, genre conventions, and rhetorical standards
- Analyse various types of material across various media and target audiences, using appropriate tools and techniques
- Use acquired knowledge and skills to competently engage with specialised and sector-specific texts with comprehension ability
- Solve linguistic problems related to the analysis, description, and evaluation of linguistic, stylistic, and communicative effectiveness of written and oral texts in English, particularly in specialised and sector-specific fields
FURTHER EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Autonomy of judgement:
- Retrieve or integrate data useful for study and reflection on topics related to theories, methodologies, linguistic systems, and analysis of specialised texts, using an appropriate methodological approach according to the type of text analysed
- Identify and analyse the specific characteristics of specialised texts, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of linguistic communications in relation to recipients, communicative needs, and professional requirements
- Independently select authentic texts and develop projects including textual and multimedia products
Communicative skills:
- Communicate critical points and ideas in English regarding the drafting of specialised texts and topics related to linguistic analysis and description
- Communicate effectively in public
- Convey disciplinary content with appropriate terminology and clarity in written and oral texts
Learning skills:
- Self-assess, update, and continuously develop skills and abilities through personal and collaborative learning strategies
- Develop the learning skills necessary to continue studying and/or conducting research independently on topics related to linguistic theories and methodologies, analyses and descriptions of linguistic systems, specialised texts, their purposes, and the relevant lexicological resources and tools
Course Prerequisites
Proficiency in English corresponding to an upper-intermediate/advanced level is indispensable. A sound knowledge of the Italian language is also required. A knowledge of the main linguistic theories and methodologies is necessary. A knowledge of the basics related to the different registers and sectorial languages is helpful.
PROPAEDEUTICITIES
None
Teaching Methods
Lessons are held in English.
The course includes: lectures aimed at presenting the fundamental contents (75%); exercises of analysis of the textual, linguistic, and rhetorical characteristics of authentic texts of various genres (20%); written and computer-based tests (5%).
In-class activities will be made available online on the Moodle e-learning platform (CLAOR). All students are invited to register on the Moodle e-learning platform (CLAOR).
The lessons taught by the professor in the first semester are complemented by those conducted by the Language Assistants and Experts throughout the entire academic year, aimed at practising, strengthening, and perfecting communication skills.
In order to apply and experiment what has been learnt in class, it will be essential to supplement the study with an adequate number of hours of independent learning.
Students will also be offered the opportunity to attend lectures and seminars held by professors and experts on topics related to the themes of the course.
Assessment Methods
The exam consists of: written test, presentation of a written project assignment and oral test.
The written language assessment test consists of multiple-choice and open-ended questions, which may include text comprehension, cloze test, sentence/keyword transformation, summary, translation.
The oral exam covers the topics of the course and the materials defined in the references.
The exam involves the creation of a personal portfolio containing the materials selected according to the lecturer's instructions, which are to be examined by identifying textual and linguistic characteristics and rhetorical functions. The portfolio is to be handed in digitally 20 days before the date of the oral exam in order to allow for a detailed examination of the material. Please note that non-attending students are required to contact the professor for guidance on the materials to be included in the portfolio. This method of assessing profit is applied to all students, whether attending or non-attending.
Language in which the examination is conducted: English.
Assessment criteria: The final assessment, expressed in thirtieths, will ascertain the acquisition of the linguistic and metalinguistic knowledge and skills developed during the course of study. The assessment criteria considered are the following: fluency and linguistic correctness; richness, appropriateness and creativity of the content expressed; correct metalinguistic use; critical ability to connect the elements studied and personal productions.
Texts
Extracts from the following books:
- Flowerdew, John (2013). Discourse in English Language Education. London and New York: Routledge (pp. 1-8, 10-15, 27-28, 33-75, 79, 95-101, 138-165, 200).
- Bhatia, Vijay K. (2013 [1993]). Analysing Genre: Language Use in Professional Settings. London and New York: Routledge (pp. 63-83, 95-113, 118-133, 144-159, 230-244).
- Crystal, David (2019) - The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (pp. 166-167, 173-180, 210-244, 308-310, 402-405, 452-469).
Additional study materials will be made available on the professor's page or in the virtual classroom.
Contents
COURSE TITLE
English Language and Linguistics I: Analysing specialised texts
TOPICS
1. Text and genre
2. Text analysis
3. Specialised discourse
4. Academic texts
5. Official documents and legal texts
6. Medical texts
7. Scientific and technical texts
8. Journalistic texts
9. Political texts
10. Business texts
11. Promotional and tourism texts
12. Digital texts
Course Language
English