LINGUA INGLESE 3 - MOD. A
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
An advanced (at least CERF C1) proficiency in Italian is required, as well as a CERF B2+ to C1 proficiency in English. Students who do not meet these language requirements are to complete pre-sessional language courses and a self-study language programme at the University Language Lab.
Students holding an English C1 certificate issued by MIUR accredited institutions will be exempted from taking the written language test (a list of MIUR Accredited Test Centres is available at https://www.miur.gov.it/enti-certificatori-lingue-straniere). Please show your certificate to the module convenor during the academic year or before the exam. The University of Insubria is in partnership with Cambridge English Language Assessment (an accredited test centre officially recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education and Research) and can therefore host test sessions for students wishing to obtain Cambridge certifications.
WRITTEN EXAM
• a C1-level language test (duration: 90 minutes, NO DICTIONARIES ALLOWED) including:
o Use of English;
o Reading comprehension
o Writing;
o Listening comprehension;
• A test (20 multiple-choice questions) on theoretical topics covered in the module (duration: 30 minutes);
• A translation from English into Italian of a ~100-words text (duration: 60 minutes).
Dictionaries are allowed for the translation test ONLY. No dictionaries are allowed for the language tests. Students must pass all three parts of the written exam first before taking the oral exam (minimum required 18/30 in each component). The written test results will be valid for one year.
ORAL EXAM
Students will be assessed on their oral English skills, on topics covered during the lectures and tutorials. The highest grade is 30/30, with a minimum of 18/30 to pass.
The final mark will be an average of the grades of the written and the oral parts.
This module aims to enable students to develop their linguistic skills (reading and writing) for intercultural mediation, with particular attention to different language styles and cultural contexts. The module will also introduce elements of translation theory and practice. Students will learn to choose the most appropriate translation strategy to translate general and specialised texts through linguistic, text, and context analysis.
Tutorials are an integral part of the module and are designed to enhance English communication skills in a professional and academic perspective. Students will develop their listening comprehension and speaking skills, so as to use the English language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Students will be able to produce clear, well-structured and articulate texts on complex topics, mastering speech and discourse structures, linking and cohesion techniques, in line with the advanced level (C1) of Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). Skills to acquire include:
• Comprehension of a wide range of long and complex texts and disambiguation of nuanced meaning differences;
• Ability to express ideas fluently and effortlessly, using idioms and idiomatic expressions;
• Flexible and effective use of the language for social, academic and professional purposes;
• Ability to create well-structured texts on complex topics, demonstrating advanced understanding of connectives and cohesive devices.
The module runs throughout the year and is divided in lectures and tutorials. Lectures will alternate sessions aimed at developing advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to sessions dedicated to English-Italian translation theory and practice. In order to encourage a reflective approach to translation, particular attention will be paid to the macro- and micro-linguistic features of the texts analysed. Tutorial sessions will be aimed at developing advanced listening and speaking skills.
Module textbooks (required)
- Morini, M. (2016). Tradurre l’Inglese: Manuale Pratico e Teorico. Bologna: Il Mulino (ISBN 9788815260703).
- Brass, L., Vargo, M. (2018). Pathways 4: Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking (2nd ed.) – Student Book. Boston: National Geographic Learning (ISBN 9781337407809).
- MacIntyre, P. (2018). Pathways 4: Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking (2nd ed.) – Student Edition. Boston: National Geographic Learning (ISBN 9781337407748).
Additional materials will be uploaded on the module page on the University e-learning platform (http://elearning3.uninsubria.it/).
Dictionaries (optional, any of the monolingual or bilingual dictionaries will do)
MONOLINGUAL DICTIONARIES
- Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Oxford University Press
- Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Cambridge University Press
- Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Pearson Longman
- Longman Business English Dictionary, Pearson Longman
BILINGUAL DICTIONARIES
- Picchi, Nuovo Picchi Grande Dizionario Inglese-Italiano, Italiano-Inglese, Hoepli
- Il Grande Dizionario Hazon, Garzanti
Students will be asked to engage actively with the module material both in class and at home. Writing assignments and translated texts will be discussed and reviewed in class. In-class individual and teamwork tasks will be designed to provide opportunities to acquire hands-on reading, writing, and translation skills. Tutorials and guided self-learning activities in the university lab are an integral part of the module. Regular attendance to and active participation in the lectures and tutorials is therefore highly recommended.
Office hours
Please check the university website and the module page on the e-learning platform.