C1 level of English (Common European Framework)
In line with the objectives of the Course, students will improve their communicative, expressive, argumentative and translating skills in English through a deeper understanding of its formal structures and uses. The course is divided into two main parts: A) English grammar and ELT (FIT) and B) translation.
A) Students acquire an extended knowledge of the main grammatical models applied to English and of the morpho-syntactic and terminological features which are distinctive of the English language. Students will also acquire notions concerning didactic methodologies for the teaching of English (i.e. the role of the teacher and the learner, the domain-specific epistemological framework(s), the teaching/learning processes, the designing of teaching activities, also mediated through new technological affordances). This will enable students to 1) understand forms and functions of specific linguistic resources and use them coherently and appropriately in both oral and written contexts; 2) become aware of the problems, resources and methods for the teaching of English. This part of the programme (4 ECTS/CFU) can be accredited as a FIT exam (valid for the Percorso FIT and part of the 24 ECTS/CFU prerequisite for teacher recruitment in the Scuola pubblica italiana).
b) Students will be given the theoretical tools to recognize and understand the distinctive features of specific textual genres and the possible problems related to their translation, and will be presented with strategies to overcome them in ways which are contextually appropriate.
This will enable students to 1) understand demanding texts and recognize implicit meanings and 2) produce complex texts which are correct, well-structured, coherent and cohesive.
The course provides a theoretical and analytical introduction to the grammar and morphology of English through different grammatical models, and of the methodologies and practices for the teaching of English. The course also provides an outline of textual genres and functions (informative, argumentative, operative, etc.) and a theoretical introduction to the practice of translation.
Classes will consist in lectures, where students are expected to have an active role in discussing the content being presented and suggesting ways of dealing with it.
Students have also access to the applied language activities (AAL) at C1+ level and tutoring support (the syllabus for such activities can be found at the Centro Competenza Lingue webpage: https://ccl.unibg.it/it).
Written test + oral exam
The written test and the oral exam may be taken only at the end of the course.
In order to take the oral exam, students will have to pass a written test.
The written test is a 90 min. computerized test and measures the skills acquired during the AAL activities concerning translation (short text in Italian to be rendered into English, for all students – international students may use an Italian-to-their-native-language dictionary) and textual analysis (short text + question of text comprehension, no dictionary allowed). This test will measure 1) linguistic correctness, 2) appropriateness of the translation with respect to the source text (for the translation part), 3) clarity of exposition, and ability to recognize the main linguistic and stylistic features and their relevance for the interpretation of the meaning (for the textual analysis). The result of the written test (pass/fail, whose validity is 18 months) will be communicated to students within 1 week from the day of the test.
The oral exam consists in the discussion (in English) of the contents of the course (see reference texts in Leganto): questions are intended to verify the student’s competence as to the course content (notions, principles, models, strategies and their use in practical contexts). The grading will be based on 1) linguistic correctness, 2) clarity and coherence, and 3) competence as to the course content.
Should the course be taught as a blended or online activity (due to health related measures), some adjustments with respect to what stated in the syllabus may be necessary – and will be indicated on the course page – in order to make the course and the exams more easily accessible
For practice sessions/AAL, relevant information may be found here: https://ccl.unibg.it/it
Students with a C2 certificate can apply to the Segreteria Studenti for official recognition. This exempts them from the written test but not from the oral exam. Full details about exemptions are available at the Centro Competenza Lingue webpage (https://ccl.unibg.it/it ).