ENGLISH LANGUAGE 3
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
An advanced (at least CEFR C1) proficiency in Italian is required, as well as a CEFR B2+ in English. Students who do not meet these language levels are required to engage in self-learning activities to meet the entry requirements, such as courses on the Macmillan English Campus (MEC) platform.
By the end of the academic year, students are expected to achieve C1 CEFR level. Assessment of this level will be based on: (1) Macmillan English Campus (MEC) courses; (2) a written and an oral exam.
MEC COURSES
The MEC educational courses must be successfully completed before being able to register for the written and oral tests; therefore, completion of the MEC courses is a prerequisite for access to the written and oral tests. Students with a C1 certificate can be exempted from completing the MEC courses.
WRITTEN EXAM
The written exam comprises three parts:
• A ~450 English essay that evidences the acquisition of C1-level English skills (duration: 60 minutes);
• A test (20 multiple-choice questions) on the translation topics covered in the module (duration: 30 minutes);
• A translation from English into Italian of a ~250-words text (duration: 60 minutes).
Printed dictionaries are allowed only for the translation part. The exam marks for the individual parts of the written exam are valid for one year, but admission to the oral exam is subject to passing all three parts, with a minimum required mark of 18/30 in each component.
ORAL EXAM
The oral exam is a test of C1 speaking and listening skills. The exam comprises a set of tasks to assess the acquisition of competences such as: giving information and expressing opinions; interacting with others; developing and expressing complex ideas; evaluating, negotiating, speculating; expressing agreement and disagreement; supporting and justifying your ideas; presenting on a topic for a long time. Marks range from 1 to 30 (minimum of 18 to pass).
The final mark will be the average of the marks of the written and the oral part.
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop their English skills for interlinguistic mediation in line with Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level C1, with particular attention to different language styles and cultural contexts. Moreover, the module provides students with knowledge of translation theory and competences in translation practice. Through linguistic and contextual analysis, students learn to choose the most appropriate translation strategies to translate a variety of general and specialised texts. Learning outcomes include:
• Comprehension of a wide range of long and complex texts in different linguistic registers, as well as disambiguation of nuanced meaning differences;
• Ability to write well-organised and detailed texts on complex topics, as well as knowledge of formal and structural features of different text types;
• Knowledge of translation theories and practice in relation to a wide range of different text types, as well as practical skills to apply such knowledge in professional contexts;
• Ability to express ideas fluently and effortlessly, using idioms and idiomatic expressions, as well as effective use of English for social, academic, and professional purposes.
The module runs throughout the year and comprises lectures and tutorials. Lectures alternate sessions on advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills with sessions on English-Italian translation theory and practice. In order to encourage a reflective approach to translation, particular attention is paid to the macro- and micro-linguistic features of the texts analysed. Tutorial sessions develop listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills, and are aimed to acquire advanced communicative competences in different contexts (social, academic, professional).
The module comprises two weekly classes: one lecture with the module convenor and one tutorial with the tutor. Students are required to engage actively with the module material both in class and at home, carrying our writing assignments and translation tasks. In-class individual and teamwork activities are designed to provide opportunities to acquire hands-on reading, writing, and translation skills. Tutorials and self-learning activities are an integral part of the module. Regular attendance to and active participation in the lectures and tutorials is therefore highly recommended.
Students are also expected to complement in-class study with assisted self-learning activities through the e-learning platform Macmillan English Campus (MEC). Each student will be enabled to use the MEC platform, which promotes the alignment of their entry skills and the achievement of the skills expected at the end of the year. The teachers will give information on the paths to complete and the relative timing. This information will be provided in class and via a specific notice on the platform. Completing assigned MEC paths is part of the module and a requisite to register for the exams.
Office hours
Please get in touch with Dr Mastropierro to arrange a meeting.