Educational offer - University of Padova

Syllabus

Prerequisites:	B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference)
Target skills and knowledge:	Awareness of linguistic features of selected registers of contemporary English. Level B1+ language skills, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Council of Europe). Focus on metalinguistic competence and the development of strategies for language learning (including reference to the European Language Portfolio).
Examination methods:	There are 3 parts to the exam: Part A: 1 written test (short answer and multiple choice questions based on course content; a written text based on the features of one of the registers studied in the course). Part B: 1 written test (lexicogrammatical part with multiple choice/fill-in-the-blank items; 'listening report' - candidates write a text based on an audio file) OR coursework. 1 oral test (spoken interaction with a fellow student OR coursework) For Part B, students who regularly attend lessons will have the opportunity to choose the 'coursework' or continuous assessment option. Only students who complete all the tasks set by the language teachers (CEL) within the deadlines will be given a mark for their coursework. This mark will count towards the final mark for Lingua Inglese I. Students who do not pass their coursework or those who decide not to take the coursework option will take the final test for General English in the June/July exam session (or a later exam session). Coursework (continuous assessment) for Part B is OPTIONAL.
Assessment criteria:	Part A 1. Short answer questions You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the content covered in the course. 2. Writing Students will be tested on their ability to write a brief report to a standard conventionalized format, which passes on factual information and/or opinions. In particular you will be assessed on: - Accuracy of language; - Use of appropriate register (i.e. grammar, lexis and phraseology); - Cohesion and organisation of text; - Meaning transfer; - Task fulfilment. Part B - lexicogrammatical competence; - listening and writing ability at B1+ level. This includes the ability to: understand the main elements and details of radio items and recorded audio; write straightforward texts and simple essays/reports; summarize, report and give an opinion about factual information/material heard in an audio file.
Course unit contents:	Part A. "An Introduction to Academic Language Skills” (Katherine Ackerley - II semester). The course aims to give students the notions and tools necessary to recognise and use various registers and genres and to help students develop their written skills. There will also be a focus on the following competences: - use of a monolingual learner dictionary; - use of linguistic corpora for lexicogrammatical searches. The students will also have the opportunity to produce texts using software for computer-mediated communication. Part B. "General English" (Collaboratori ed Esperti Linguistici - semesters I and II). The "General English" lessons will be held both in the classroom and language lab. In the classroom there wil be a focus on general language skills. In the language lab the focus will be on listening comprehension and writing skills. Use will be made of software for computer-mediated communication and other University Language Centre resources.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods:	Both parts of the course (A & B) consist of a blend of lessons in the classroom, language lab and self-study. For Part A there will be a combination of lectures and group activities, while Part B is more predominantly based on groupwork. Students attending the course are expected to actively participate in all classroom and lab activities which include groupwork and discussion with peers. These activities may be carried out both face-to-face and via software for audio- and text-based computer-mediated communication. Students will use a range of materials including textbooks, authentic online resources, a reference grammar, learner dictionaries and the European Language Portfolio. Students will also gain hands-on experience of using linguistic corpora through concordancing software. An emphasis is placed on both autonomous and collaborative learning. Lessons will be taught in English.
Additional notes about suggested reading:	Part A Materials will be provided by the lecturer during the course and will be made available online. Students are required to download materials before lessons and bring them to class. Slides will be put online after each lecture. All students should obtain a copy of the reference grammar and ONE of the learner dictionaries listed below. Part B Details of textbooks to be used for General English will be given by the CEL at the beginning of the course (October). The European Language Portfolio (Cercles version) will be available online. Students who, for valid reaons, are unable to attend lessons should contact me and a CEL AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR. They will be given access to the online area where they can obtain materials and course info, as well as view and participate in online activity for the course.
Textbooks (and optional supplementary readings)	Biber, D., Conrad, S., Leech, G., Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English. --: Pearson ESL, 2002. Si farà riferimento a questo testo in Parte A del corso. Vince, M., Macmillan English Grammar in Context - Advanced. --: Macmillan, 2008. Questo testo verrà usato per entrambi le parti del corso per 'apprendimento guidato' (compiti per casa) --, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. --: Longman, 2009. Gli studenti devono essere in possesso di UNO dei 'learner dictionary' elencati qui. --, Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. --: Macmillan, 2007. Gli studenti devono essere in possesso di UNO dei 'learner dictionary' elencati qui. --, Collins Cobuild Advanced Dictionary. --: Collins Cobuild, 2008. Gli studenti devono essere in possesso di UNO dei 'learner dictionary' elencati qui. --, Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary.. --: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Gli studenti devono essere in possesso di UNO dei 'learner dictionary' elencati qui. --, Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.. --: Oxford University Press, 2010. Gli studenti devono essere in possesso di UNO dei 'learner dictionary' elencati qui.