The course aims at providing students with the methodology to analyze linguistic tools that create persuasion and to build effective argumentative texts. To this purpose, the basic components of language and communication will be described, and the different dimensions of linguistic variation will be highlighted. The most important figures of speech will be analyzed and classified. Basic elements of argumentation theory will be introduced, with special reference to advertising and journalistic texts.
teacher profile teaching materials
The first module offers an introduction to the basic concepts of linguistics, with a focus on understanding the role and characteristics of natural human languages in communication. Topics covered include: communication theory and its semiotic foundations; semiotic properties of languages; verbal and non-verbal communication; lexicon and dictionaries; semantics; basic notions of syntax (phrase types, grammatical functions, verbal valency); text linguistics (cohesion, connectives, textual unity, text types); linguistic variation in relation to time, space, communicative contexts and channel; pragmatics and communication (information structure, speech acts, conversation analysis).
The second module begins by tracing the key stages of the historical debate between dialectic and rhetoric, and then presents, on the one hand, the theoretical foundations of argumentation theory and, on the other, the principal rhetorical figures. The theoretical content is consistently accompanied by practical exercises designed to guide students towards the progressive recognition of the strategies of persuasion and conviction deployed in texts, with particular attention to journalistic and advertising discourse.
The course includes e-tivities: online exercises, questionnaires, thematic surveys, and follow-up activities, designed to foster educational interaction, reflection on course content, and self-assessment of learning outcomes. Feedback will be provided both individually and collectively.
De Mauro, Tullio, Prima lezione sul linguaggio, Laterza, 2002.
Fiorentino, Giuliana, La lingua nella comunicazione. Corso di linguistica generale, Le Monnier Università, Milan–Florence, 2020 (chapters 1–2, 5–9).
Second module (Professor Pompei):
Mortara Garavelli, Bice, Il parlar figurato. Manualetto di figure retoriche, Laterza, Bari–Rome, 2011.
Lo Cascio, Enzo, Persuadere e convincere oggi. Nuovo manuale dell'argomentazione, Academia, Milan, 2009 (chapters 1–5, 7, 11–12; from chapter 12, sections 12.1, 12.6–12.7 only).
Programme
The course is divided into two modules: the first taught by Professor Iacobini, the second by Professor Pompei.The first module offers an introduction to the basic concepts of linguistics, with a focus on understanding the role and characteristics of natural human languages in communication. Topics covered include: communication theory and its semiotic foundations; semiotic properties of languages; verbal and non-verbal communication; lexicon and dictionaries; semantics; basic notions of syntax (phrase types, grammatical functions, verbal valency); text linguistics (cohesion, connectives, textual unity, text types); linguistic variation in relation to time, space, communicative contexts and channel; pragmatics and communication (information structure, speech acts, conversation analysis).
The second module begins by tracing the key stages of the historical debate between dialectic and rhetoric, and then presents, on the one hand, the theoretical foundations of argumentation theory and, on the other, the principal rhetorical figures. The theoretical content is consistently accompanied by practical exercises designed to guide students towards the progressive recognition of the strategies of persuasion and conviction deployed in texts, with particular attention to journalistic and advertising discourse.
The course includes e-tivities: online exercises, questionnaires, thematic surveys, and follow-up activities, designed to foster educational interaction, reflection on course content, and self-assessment of learning outcomes. Feedback will be provided both individually and collectively.
Core Documentation
First module (Professor Iacobini):De Mauro, Tullio, Prima lezione sul linguaggio, Laterza, 2002.
Fiorentino, Giuliana, La lingua nella comunicazione. Corso di linguistica generale, Le Monnier Università, Milan–Florence, 2020 (chapters 1–2, 5–9).
Second module (Professor Pompei):
Mortara Garavelli, Bice, Il parlar figurato. Manualetto di figure retoriche, Laterza, Bari–Rome, 2011.
Lo Cascio, Enzo, Persuadere e convincere oggi. Nuovo manuale dell'argomentazione, Academia, Milan, 2009 (chapters 1–5, 7, 11–12; from chapter 12, sections 12.1, 12.6–12.7 only).
Attendance
Attendance is strongly encouraged, though not compulsory.Type of evaluation
The examination consists of a written test comprising exercises and open-ended, closed, and multiple-choice questions. Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) may request the accommodations to be recognised during the examination through the University's dedicated portal, available at the following link: https://www.uniroma3.it/roma-tre-inclusiva-studenti-con-disabilita-e-con-dsa/