21810350 - LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND INSTITUTIONS IN ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES

Canale A-L
Besides analyzing some of the main grammar and morpho-syntactic structures of the English language, the course focuses on the diversity and richness of Anglo-American cultures through literature and its authors. A selection of literary works written between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries will be read and discussed in class. Special attention will be given to their formal and rhetorical characteristics as well as their historical, social, and political legacy.
By promoting active participation in class, the adopted teaching method aims at improving overall language proficiency, including the ability to engage in open discussion.

Canale M-Z
Besides analyzing some of the main grammar and morpho-syntactic structures of the English language, the course focuses on the literary and critical contribution by some modern and contemporary anglophone writers. In an interdisciplinary framework, the analysis of the formal features of these texts will be instrumental to connect literary and socio-cultural issues. By promoting active participation in class, the adopted teaching method envisages the improvement of language skills and the ability to engage in open discussion.

Canali

teacher profile | teaching materials

Fruizione: 21801439 LINGUA, CULTURA E ISTITUZIONI DEI PAESI DI LINGUA INGLESE in Scienze politiche L-36 A - L BECCE NICOLANGELO

Programme

First module - Focus on English Grammar

The first module deals with some of the main grammar and morpho-syntactic structures of the English language.

Second module - American Short Stories

The second module is an introduction to the diversity of American culture through short stories and their writers. At the end of the module, students will be able to: analyze the chronological and historical development of the American short story through its most representative authors; become familiar with the act of analyzing and interpreting short stories through appropriate theoretical and methodological frameworks, acknowledging alternative interpretations and developing critical thinking; experience how literary and cultural texts can transform one’s perception and understanding of self, other and communities.

Core Documentation

Edgar Allan Poe, “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843)
Kate Chopin, “Desiree’s Baby” (1893)
Ambrose Bierce, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (1890)
Charlotte Perkins Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892)
Susan Glaspell, “A Jury of Her Peers” (1917)
Ernest Hemingway, “The Killers” (1927)
Ralph Ellison, “Battle Royal” (1947)
Shirley Jackson, “The Lottery” (1948)
Ray Bradbury, “There Will Come Soft Rains” (1950)
Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (1966)
Alice Walker, “Everyday Use” (1973)
Raymond Carver, “Cathedral” (1983)
Louise Erdrich, “The Red Convertible” (1984)
Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried” (1990)

The short stories listed above may be read in any edition in English.


Type of delivery of the course

The teaching method involves lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations and audio-visual material relating to the topics being covered. The course is taught in English but the general level of the class will be taken into consideration.

Attendance

Lecture attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.

Type of evaluation

The final exam is in written form and it consists of a series of multiple choice and open-ended questions based on the syllabus. Those students who wish to improve the final grade of the Written Exam may take an Oral Exam, the outcome of which may positively or negatively affect the grade of the Written Exam.