BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
In line with the objectives set out in the degree programme, students will refine their communicative, expressive, and argumentative skills in English, developing a solid awareness of the main linguistic models, communicative functions, and textual structures of the language. The course is divided into two parts: 1) English Grammar and Morphology and 2) Translation.
- Students will explore, from a metalinguistic perspective, the grammatical models that govern the functioning of the English language, with particular attention to morphological and morphosyntactic aspects. The theoretical analysis of linguistic structures will enable them to understand the mechanisms underlying the language’s formal patterns and systemic organisation.
- Students will engage with theoretical models, critical perspectives, and linguistic resources designed to foster their understanding of translation theory and to develop both their analytical skills and their competence in translation. They will learn to identify the conventions, communicative functions, and distinctive features of various text types; to recognise potential issues in translation (such as cultural ambiguities, questions of equivalence, stylistic variation, or pragmatic functions); and to design and apply effective translation strategies appropriate to the genre and communicative context.
In addition to these disciplinary objectives (which are the focus of the official course), students will also consolidate and enhance their instrumental competence in the four communicative skills at C1+ CEFR level, with particular attention to writing, textual analysis, and text organisation (see the dedicated language learning activities / AAL available at the Centro Linguistico d'Ateneo: https://cla.unibg.it/it).
Course Prerequisites
C1 level of English (Common European Framework)
Teaching Methods
Teaching will be delivered through lectures, with particular attention to dialogue and direct interaction with students, who will be encouraged to suggest topics for further exploration or discussion during class.
Students will also have access to language practice activities (AAL) scheduled weekly according to their proficiency level (C1+), as well as tutoring sessions available throughout the academic year. The programmes for these activities are available on the Centro Linguistico d'Ateneo website (https://cla.unibg.it/it).
Assessment Methods
Written Test + Oral Exam
The written test and the oral exam may be taken only at the end of the course. Please note that, in order to take the exams (both written and oral), students must register for them via the university’s online system (Sportello Internet) within the prescribed deadlines.
Students will be allowed to take the oral exam only after passing the written test.
The written test is computer-based, lasts 90 minutes, and assesses writing skills in English (development of a topic or commentary on a text—skills practiced during the AAL sessions; see the AAL syllabus: https://cla.unibg.it/it). Evaluation will be based on: linguistic accuracy (grammar and syntax), lexical and register appropriateness in relation to the communicative context, clarity of expression, as well as organisation and coherence of the text, argumentative ability and critical development of ideas (where applicable). The result of the written test (pass / fail, valid for 18 months) will be communicated via Sportello Internet within one week of the exam date. Passing the computer-based test grants access to the oral exam (provided the student registers for the exam session within the given deadline).
The oral exam consists of a discussion in English on the course content (see reference texts on Leganto). The questions aim to assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of course topics (concepts, principles, models, strategies, and their use in practical contexts). Final evaluation will be based on: linguistic accuracy, clarity of exposition and argumentative coherence, critical understanding of course content.
Assessment Grid (out of 30):
- Excellent (30 e lode): Thorough and autonomous command of the content; all aspects of the programme are fully understood and applied with precision. No errors.
- Very Good (30–27): Solid and well-articulated understanding of the material; content is correctly applied, with only minor and occasional inaccuracies that do not compromise overall performance.
- Good (26–24): Generally competent understanding and application of the course content, though with some inaccuracies or imprecise use of terminology. Errors are not serious or systematic.
- Sufficient (23–18): Basic grasp of the core course content, with evident weaknesses and limited depth of understanding. Errors are present and noticeable, even when they do not fully compromise communication or comprehension.
- Insufficient (<18): Inadequate understanding or preparation; serious gaps in comprehension and application of key concepts. Frequent or repeated errors prevent a successful outcome.
Contents
The course provides a theoretical and analytical introduction to the grammar and morphology of the English language through the application of different grammatical models. It also equips students with tools to understand the linguistic and textual conventions of various genres (informative, argumentative, operative, etc.), and offers a theoretical overview of translation practices and principles.
Online Resources
More information
The list of texts for the oral exam (which are essential for exam preparation, both for attending and non-attending students) is available in this syllabus under the section “Online Resources – Leganto – Exam Texts.”
The course is annual, and lessons will be delivered across the four sub-periods.
Should the course be taught as a blended or online activity, 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.
Relevant information about practice sessions (AAL) - i.e. syllabus, course books, etc. - may be found on the Centro Linguistico d'Ateneo webpage: https://cla.unibg.it/it -> Attività di apprendimento linguistico.
Students with a C2 certificate should present it to the Segreteria Studenti in order to get the exemption from parts of the exam, as indicated on the Centro Linguistico d'Ateneo webpage (further information about exemptions can be found in the relevant section, here https://cla.unibg.it/it). Before the exam, it is the student’s responsibility to verify the validity or expiration of their certification and its recognition, according to the guidelines published on the Centro Linguistico d’Ateneo website.