ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE SKILLS

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING IN TERMS OF EXPECTED RESULTS OF LEARNING:

Since the main purpose of this course is to foster students’ learning of the four linguistic skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) which are pivotal to support the linguistic competence defined by the intermediate level (B1/B2 CEFR), main features of syntax and morphology will be analyzed, with specific reference to phonetics, lexis of connected speech and English usages in the mathematical field, related to the degree’s objectives.

1. Knowledge and understanding: students will be required to apply their linguistic competences and to communicate fluently, using "connected speech" (spoken language used in a continuous sequence) with specific lexis and correct syntax, concerning several topics of the professional field. Students will be also able to show a good conception of the language structure of English. 

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be required to improve speaking and fluency, using “chunks” (common phrases with specific meaning) related to the mathematical field.

3. Making judgements: students will be able to give an account of a topic orally and in writing with greater independence and greater linguistic correctness. Linguistic competence is crucial for a practical application of ESP/English for Scientific Purposes to national and international work contexts.

4. Communication skills: communication skills will be assessed through oral and written tests and they are meant to provide students with adequate tools to gain international work experience. Thanks to these skills, students will be also able to actively and independently participate in seminar discussions.

5. Learning skills: the course aims at developing students' autonomous learning skills, using technology tools and devices to improve class and individual activities.

This course allows students to explore syntactic and stylistic analysis of English.  It aims to improve the student's ability to communicate effectively in the oral and written language. Course structure also includes work in groups and more extensive talks about various aspects of ESP/English for Specific Purposes, developing key terms and field knowledge. Discussion is an important component as aspects of learning various problematic structures of language is included in the form of translation, as well as software and devices to improve class and individual activities. Lessons are based on a communicative approach and cooperative learning methods to motivate students to express themselves confidently in face-to-face communications.

If necessary, the telematic way will be adopted. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the schedule planned and outlined in the syllabus. Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

 PLEASE NOTE: Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD

ENGLISH LANGUAGE (I semester, 6 credits)

COURSE SYLLABUS
Module 1 (3CFU):

The main aim is to allow students to know English language and specific lexis, for this this reason attention will be paid to MATH vocabulary, using texts and videos, to enhance reading, listening and speaking skills.

a) working with vocabulary: key nouns, key verbs, key adjectives, key adverbs, phrasal verbs.

b) at academic institutions: academic courses, applications and application forms.

c) ways of talking about: sources, facts, data and numbers.

d) opinions and ideas: analysis of results, talking about meaning, research and study aims, talking about points of view.

Module 2 (3CFU):

Focus on Microlanguage(ESP) and working on reading, writing and speaking abilities:

a) reading and translating a text.

b) writing abstracts, reports, summaries, CV and demonstration of a theorem (functions: background, purpose, methods and discussion).

c) presenting a topic using power-point or prezi, describing research methods, processes and procedures, classifying, comparing and contrasting.

Teaching organization/methods: lectures with handouts and slides; written and oral activities; team work; web quest and 'non googleable question’.

1) Cambridge English for Scientists, Cambridge University Press; Cambridge  Academic English-Upper Intermediate, Cambridge University Press; Scientific English, Zanichelli; P.Emmerson, E-mail English, Macmillan; A.Wallwork, English for Presentation at International Conferences - Springer Science, Oxford University Press.

2)R.Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Cambridge; F.Galuzzi, Activating Grammar, Pearson/Longman.

3)Collins Student’s Dictionary Plus Grammar, Collins COBUILD London; Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Oxford University Press.

Placement test to assess the level of the incoming linguistic competence.

In itinere evaluation: presentation of a ppt/prezi.Class attendance is necessary to participate in this exam: students must attend 75% of the lectures.

Final term evaluation is composed of an oral exam, where all the topics listed in the course syllabus will be assessed.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

Oral exam: questions about the topics listed in the Syllabus, e.g.:

• “what are the main features of Game Theory?”
• “what is a linear combination?”
• "introduce yourself during a job interview".
• "definitions and theorems".