Introduzione

One-Semester Lettorato John Gilbert: Language and Culture of the U.S.A. - Course Description

The one-semester course will briefly examine the historical development of English in the world, and then consider the major differences between standard British and North American English, and the principal varieties of English in North America today. Then, from an intercultural and primarily sociolinguistic perspective, the course will look at the historical and socio-cultural significance of certain holidays and traditions originating and/or celebrated in the U.S.A. (including Halloween, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, May Day (May 1^st), International Women’s Day, Gay Pride, Martin Luther King Day). Each lesson will have a strong lexical component, with the intention of expanding students’ knowledge and use of vocabulary. Class work and discussion will be based on selected readings and language exercises made available on the instructor’s Moodle page. At the end of the semester students will be evaluated with a written examination on the basis of their knowledge of the subjects and material covered both in lessons and in the required readings and exercises. For students who do not take the written exam or are not satisfied with their performance, it will be possible to do an oral exam on a date agreed upon with the instructor. Students will also be asked to write a short (minimum 700 words, no maximum limit) essay about their research on the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island website which will also be taken into account for the final course grade, along with the student’s participation in class discussion. 

Ricevimento: Wednesdays at 11 am in Room 207 Via Santa Reparata 93 or by appointment john.gilbert@unifi.it.