BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
In line with the educational objectives of the Degree Programme, students will develop a solid awareness of the linguistic, discursive, and textual structures, the main communicative functions, and the contextual and cultural variables that characterize the use of the English language, while further enhancing their ability to critically analyse texts, discourses, and communicative processes.
This course explores language as a system of communication, a reflection of culture, and a resource for social action. Students will first examine the structural organization of English, including linguistic regularities, textual patterns, and language variation across social, professional, and cultural contexts. The course then investigates the relationship between language and culture, focusing on how language reflects and constructs social realities. Finally, it explores language as a strategic tool for meaning-making and representation, with particular attention to the role and function of persuasive discursive resources commonly encountered in social interaction, media discourse, institutional communication, professional settings, and public debate.
In addition to the disciplinary objectives of the course, students will have the opportunity to further enhance their English language proficiency in the four communicative skills identified by the CEFR, up to the C1+ level. Particular emphasis will be placed on writing, text analysis, and text organization through the dedicated Language Learning Activities (Attività di Apprendimento Linguistico – AAL) provided by the University Language Centre (CLA) (see: 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. In order to take the oral exam, students will have to pass the written test.
The written test is computerized and assesses instrumental skills (those practiced through the AAL / language activities). For information on the contents of the language activities (AAL), as well as the assessment procedures and the schedule of the related examinations, please refer to the CLA website (https://cla.unibg.it/it).
Passing the written examination qualifies students to take the oral examination, provided that they register for the examination session through the University's Sportello Internet system within the prescribed deadlines..
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 aims to provide advanced training in the analysis of English as a structured system, a cultural practice, and a social resource. It seeks to develop critical skills in text and discourse interpretation, integrating linguistic, cultural, and argumentative knowledge, with attention to communicative dynamics across diverse contexts of use.
Online Resources
More information
The course is structured around the following volume:
Michele Sala 2026/2027. Introduction to English across Contexts: A Practical Guide to Language as Code, Social Tool, and Medium of Meaning. London: Routledge
- PART I: Chapter 1 to 3 - except for subsections 2.2.2.1(Preferred structure); 2.2.2.2. (Exchanges); 2.2.2.3. (Prosody and phonological regularities)
- PART III: Chapter 1 to 4
The bibliographical details of the volume (which is essential for exam preparation for both attending and non-attending students) are available in this syllabus under “Online Resources – Leganto”
The course is year-long, and classes are delivered across all four teaching periods.
The examination may only be taken upon completion of the course, during the Summer examination session.
Students must pass the computer-based written test before they are eligible to sit the oral examination.
Registration for both the written and oral examinations must be completed by students through the University's Sportello system within the published deadlines.
Please note that the instructor cannot add students to the examination roster (both computerized and oral) after the registration deadline has passed.
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.