Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the scientific study of human language and its manifestations, i.e. natural languages. At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1) distinguish the various levels of linguistic analysis; 2) use the most appropriate terminology related to the study and description of the different linguistic fields; 3) recognize the different branches and the most recent developments of the discipline; 4) understand and analyze a wide range of texts and linguistic phenomena.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites but a good knowledge of basic Italian grammar is of great help.
Course unit content
The course will provide students with the knowledge necessary for the study of human language and its various concrete realizations.
Topics covered will be:
- definition of linguistics and history of the discipline
- main levels of linguistic analysis: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, semantics, pragmatics
- foundations of text linguistics
- foundations of socio-linguistics
Full programme
Bibliography
- Slides presented in class
- D. Astori e D. Muscianisi (2022). Quindici lezioni di linguistica generale. Athenaeum Edizioni Universitarie.
- Fiorentino G. (2020). La lingua nella comunicazione. Corso di linguistica generale. Le Monnier Università. SOLO capitoli 7 (Testualità) e 9 (La comunicazione efficace).
Teaching methods
Traditional in-class lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam to be held over 90 minutes consisting of questions with closed answers, questions with multiple choice answers and open questions. Each question is assigned a score, for a maximum sum of 31 points (corresponding to 30 cum laude). The questions will cover all the topics of the program including the topics addressed in class and discussed in the texts of the bibliography.
The evaluation will take into consideration the number of correct answers and, in the open questions, also the clarity of expression and the use of adequate language.
The corrected assignments can be viewed by students upon request.
Other information
Attendance at the course is strongly recommended. There is no difference in program between attending and non-attending students.
