Much of the course is in English but key concepts are also explained in Italian.
Course Content
Aspects of English lexis and syntax, the relationship between context and lexical choice, rhetorical and argumentative strategies in political discourse, analysis of texts (mostly related to politics)
The lectures are based on lecture notes that will be available at the beginning of the course. For the grammar book, see: Biber, Douglas et al. 2002. Longman Students Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Harlow: Longman. For an introduction to the rhetorical and argumentative strategies in politics, see:
Partington A. and C. Taylor, 2018, The Language of Persuasion in Politics: An Introduction, London and New York: Routledge
Learning Objectives
KNOWLEDGE:The course offers: 1) an introduction to the theoretical and conceptual aspects of English lexis and syntax and of the tools of the discipline; 2) an introduction to the language of persuasion in politics. ABILITIES: ability to identify rhetorical and argumentative strategies in political discourse; gaining methodological tools to make analyses of short texts (mostly related to politics); BEHAVIOUR: gain confidence in intellectual participation and a correct teacher-student relationship; stimulus to a civil and participatory use of the resources of the degree course and of the School.
Prerequisites
There is no entrance test but to participate as actively as possible in the course we advise a level of listening, reading and writing of at least B1 level. Students who do not have this level are given bibliographical information (incl. electronic ttexts etc) so as to bring them up to the level. To enrol for the exam, first you have to pass the B2 test. You will not be admitted to the exam if you haven't passed the B2 test. The lessons held by the language assistant prepare students for the B2 test.
Teaching Methods
The lessons are essentially lecture based.
Further information
Lectures take place in the second semester.
Type of Assessment
The exam is written (both for students who attend and do not attend and also for Erasmus students). The questions regard the contents of the lecture notes. The questions concern a) the contents of the lecture notes (both informative and conceptual) b) analytical questions regarding a text where the correct answer requires a correct application of concepts explained in the lecture notes.
Course program
The course is divided into three modules. Module 1 focuses on aspects of lexis and syntax and on the relationship between lexical choice and context. Module 2 provides an introduction to the rhetorical and argumentative strategies used in political discourse. Module 3 analyses different political text-types. The correct use of English grammar is also developed.