Lingua Inglese 1 2012/2013

Programmi a.a. 2012-2013

Lingua Inglese I –Module A – first semester

Lingua Inglese I

Semestre I:  (Modulo A- Prof. Ponterotto) Introduction to English Linguistics

The course introduces to  the basic tenets of Linguistic theory as applied to  the description of English. Particular emphasis is given to the core topics of:  Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics. Attention will also be paid to the  role of context in text, discourse and society.  Basic movements in the history of linguistics in the 20th and 21st  centuries will be discussed.

Reading List

 Linguistic theory

1. Yule, George. 2010.  The Study of Language.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

(fourth edition) Chapters 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11

Chapter 3: (“Repetition in conversation: towards a poetics of talk”)

Programma a.a. 2012-2013

Lingua Inglese 1: Modulo B -English Semantics

(Semestre II): (Modulo - Prof. Ponterotto) English Semantics

The course studies some topics in English semantics: componential analysis, semantic relations, compounding, idiomaticity, gender etc. The course pays specific attention to the question of figurative language, with particular emphasis on Conceptual Metaphor Theory, including reflections on the cross-cultural/cross-linguistic differences between English and Italian. The lectures include empirical and textual analyses and applications related to the figurative level of language. The course also aims at an in-depth knowledge and appropriate use of vocabulary. Assignments include reading of contemprary texts (novels, newspapers, internet texts etc.)

Reading List

Linguistic theory

1. Kövesces, Zoltán. 1990. Metaphor: a practical introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.(Chapters:  1,2,3,6,7,8,9,10,12,13,14)

2. Ponterotto,  Diane (2003 [2000]). The Cohesive role of cognitive metaphor in discourse and conversation. In: Barcelona A. Metaphor and Metonymy at the crossroads: a cognitive perspective. (pp. 283-298). Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter (Series: Topics in English Linguistics, 30).

4.. Semino, Elena. 2002. A sturdy baby or a derailed train: metaphorical representation of the euro in British and Italian newspapers. Text 22 (1): 107-139.

Communicative Competence

1. Achoice of one novel from the following:

Chevalier, Tracy. 2006. The Virgin Blue. New York: Harper

F. Scott  Fitzgerald  2007 [1925] The Great Gatsby  (Penguin Popular Classics)

Shreve, Anita. 1999. The Pilot’s Wife. London: Abacus.

Wharton, Edith. 2012 [1921]. The Old Maid. Dover  Press

2. Achoice of 10 articles from the British newspaper  The Guardian

Evaluation  format (Modalità dell’esame):

The evaluation format for the second semester, based on the Reading List and class materials, is oral and will be conducted in English. The oral examination includes the evaluation of oral communication skills: reading, pronunciation, accuracy, fluency and especially breadth and appropriatness of vocabulary

(L’esame relativa al secondo semestre(English Semantics and Conceptual Metaphor Theory)è orale e si svolge in lingua inglese. La valutazione include anche la verifica della competenza comunicativa: lettura ad alta voce, pronuncia, correttezza morfosintattica, e sopratutto ricchezza e appropriatezza del lessico.)

NB. For the development of practical language competence, the course includes practice sessions conducted by the CEL (collaboratori ed esperti linguistici); schedules, programmes and coursebooks are listed in the specific file (lettorato/LINFO/inglese/secondo anno). Students in the course programme LINFO (Lingue nella Società dell’Informazione) are required to pass a written examination (“Scritto di Lingua Inglese”) at the end of each academic year.