English Linguistics

The aim is to provide students with knowledge of key concepts and conceptual frameworks of the subject and the ability to apply these concepts in one group project.

Professional profiles indicated in the academic guide. To be highlighted: teacher of English, linguistic advisor in bilingual sections (bilingual schools), researcher of Pragmatics issues.

Brief description:

Set I: 

1.  Introduction to Pragmatics

2. Presupposition

3. Speech Act theory

4. Grice’s inferential model of communication

5. Politeness models

6. Relevance theory

Set II:

In the second part of the subject, a continuous assessment system will be implemented in this subject.

Firstly, students will take a multiple choice Test (only during the course, as part of the continuous assessment system)

Secondly, they will start the application of pragmatic conceptual frameworks to deconstruct persuasive communication in the genre of publicity.

The assessment system will end with the completion of a group Project to show their full understanding of the pragmatic concepts and models presented in class and their analytical and critical thinking skills.

CG1. Aprender aspectos de la comunicación

CG2. Capacidad de aprendizaje abstracta

CG3. Capacidad de lectura de textos de esta especialidad

CG4. Capacidad de análisis, de síntesis y de conexión de lecturas

CG5. Capacidad de reflexión metacomunicativa

CG6. Capacidad de expresión oral de ideas en inglés

CG7. Capacidad de argumentación escrita de ideas en inglés

CG8. Sentido crítico y analítico ante la comunicación

CG9. Capacidad de valorar el aprendizaje autónomo y el colaborativo

CG10. Capacidad de reflexión sobre el proceso de aprendizaje

CG11. Capacidad de optimización del tiempo y responsabilidad sobre la tareas asignadas

Basic competences

CB1. Ability to acquire and apply pragmatic knowledge

CB2. Ability to gather and interpret relevant data using conceptual frameworks

CG3. Ability to read critically and assess bibliography in this field of study.

CG4. Ability to relate knowledge acquired in this subject to other subjects and areas of study.

CE1. Ability to learn pragmatic conceptual frameworks

CE2. Ability to become acquainted with the metalanguage of Pragmatics

CE3. Ability to understand theories in this field of study

CE4. Ability to understand and synthesize chosen texts

CE5.  Ability to relate selected texts

CE6. Ability to pass a multiple choice test in this subject

CE7. Ability to engage in team work

CE8. Ability to apply pragmatic knowledge to deconstruct the genre of publicity

It will be indicated on Studium

It will be indicated on Studium

A continuous assessment system will be implemented in this course, instead of a final evaluation. This entails taking a Multiple Choice Test during the course as preparation to engage in the final group Project. Notice that this test is not a final exam, but a step in the continuous assessment system that will be implemented in this course.

Politeness is expected of students. This means that smartphones and laptops will not be allowed. This also entails this requirement: smartphones will be set in flight mode.

An active and responsible attitude is demanded in class, in order to prepare required readings and engage in team work. One final group project will have to be completed and orally presented.

In the continuous assessment system that will be implemented in this course:

• Students will have to write some individual Reflections on set readings during the course.

• Students will show their full understanding of the pragmatic conceptual frameworks presented in class in the Multiple Choice Test that they will take, once the content has been presented in class.

• Students will show their full understanding of the pragmatic conceptual frameworks presented in class by engaging in a group Project that they will have to complete and present to the class at the end of the course. They will show their ability to apply pragmatic knowledge to deconstruct communication. They will also show their analytical skills as well as their critical thinking skills. 

NOTICE: A continuous assessment system will be implemented in this course.

• 5% of the final grade: individual written Reflections on set readings (indicated on Studium), plus compliance with this requirement to enhance attention: set your smartphone in airplane mode. This request will be made at the beginning of each class.

• 35% of the final grade: A Multiple Choice Test during the course, as part of the continuous assessment system that will be implemented in this subject. Notice that this is not a final exam, but a step to facilitate the anayltical work in each group’s final Project.

NOTICE that this Test is part of the continuous assessment process. This means that this test will only be taken during the course since it is considered a fundamental stage towards the preparation of final group project.

• 60% of the final grade: A final group Project in which the pragmatic concepts presented in class will be applied to deconstruct the genre of publicity (as illustrative of persuasive communication). It will be orally presented to the class in English during the last weeks of the course. This is the most important part of the subject.

Evaluation system for those students who cannot attend classes and engage in the group Project:

- 10% of the final grade: Individual written Reflections on set readings (indicated on Studium).

- 90% of the final grade: an individual assignment/essay, where they will have to show the same analytical and critical thinking skills in the application of pragmatic knowledge to deconstruct communication (as required in the group Project).

This option is offered only for those students who are abroad and as a consequence, cannot attend classes or for those students who could not attend due to extraordinary reasons.

           2nd ‘Convocatoria’

For those who attended classes but fail their group Project, they should submit a refined final group Project. If they took the test, they will keep the mark they earned. If not:

• 10% of the final grade: Individual written Reflections on set readings (indicated on Studium).

• 90% of the final grade: a refined final Project

For those who did not attend classes:

• 10% of the final grade: Individual written Reflections on set readings (indicated on Studium).

• 90% of the final grade: an individual assignment/essay, where they will have to show the same analytical and critical thinking skills in the application of pragmatic knowledge to deconstruct communication (as required in the group Project).

Be aware that the philosophy of learning in this course is not based on memory, but on fostering analytical and critical thinking skills while engaging in team work.

Be aware that a continuous assessment system will be implemented in this course.

Only those students who cannot attend classes will have the option of a Final evaluation.

Requirements: Attending classes, setting your smartphone in flight mode (to facilitate attention), taking a mid term Test, completing a final group project and submit  the required reflections on set readings. Be attentive and active. 

Be aware of the final goal: to advance in analytical and critical thinking skills thanks to the ability to apply pragmatic conceptual frameworks in a final group assignment, in order to desconstruct  an advert (as illustrative of persuasive communication). 

Be aware that the philosophy of learning in this course is not based on memory or rote learning, but on fostering analytical and critical thinking skills while applying pragmatic concepts to understand communication in depth.