a.a. 2024/2025 II

Docente: Rossella De FabritiisDocente: Loddi Federica

Docente: Fabio Esposito

Docente: Patrizia Pelliccioni

Course Description

This course is designed for second-year students specializing in linguistic mediation and offers an in-depth exploration of the English language and its cultural contexts. Building on foundational language skills, the course will focus on advancing students' proficiency in English, with an emphasis on developing both linguistic precision and cultural awareness—essential skills for future mediators.

Through a mix of interactive lectures, group discussions, and project-based learning, students will analyze and interpret various forms of English-language media, including literature, film, music, and current events. These materials will serve as a foundation for exploring the cultural, historical, and social factors that shape English-speaking societies, from the UK to the US and other regions influenced by English.

Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

1. Achieve a higher level of fluency and accuracy in spoken and written English.
2. Understand and analyze cultural contexts and nuances in English-speaking societies.
3. Develop the ability to mediate between English and other languages by interpreting cultural references, idioms, and symbols.
4. Build a skillset for cultural empathy and understanding, essential for effective communication and mediation in multicultural settings.

Course Structure

The course will be structured around thematic units that cover:

• Advanced English Grammar and Vocabulary: Targeted lessons to refine language structure and vocabulary, focusing on advanced grammatical forms, idiomatic expressions, and field-specific terminology.
• Cultural Themes and Social Issues: Examination of cultural topics such as identity, diversity, and societal values, using multimedia sources and case studies from English-speaking countries.
• Intercultural Communication Skills: Workshops and role-plays designed to practice interpreting and translating cultural nuances in language, from colloquial expressions to formal speech.
• Research and Analysis Project: A research-based project where students investigate a specific cultural topic or issue in an English-speaking country, presenting findings in English to enhance both language and analytical skills.

Assessment

Student performance will be evaluated through a combination of:

• Oral presentations and debates on cultural topics.
• Written assignments, including essays and reflections on cultural readings.
• A final project involving an in-depth analysis of an aspect of English-speaking culture.
• Active participation in group activities, emphasizing teamwork and mediation skills.