ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

The course aims at consolidating and deepening students’ linguistic skills concerning the morphological, syntactical, and lexical aspects of language (B1+/B2 level of the Common European Framework), receptive and productive oral and written skills, and commenting on specialized texts belonging to the fields of psychological studies.

Entry level: B1.

Achievement level: B1+/B2.

Following the Dublin Descriptors, the expected learning outcomes are the following:

 Knowledge and understanding (DD1)

-          Knowledge of theories and translation models in English linguistics

Applying knowledge and understanding (DD2)

-          Link the theoretical and methodological contents learned to the interpretation of specialized texts

-          Being able to research dictionaries and corpora through the use of technology

 Making judgments (DD3)

- Being able to interpret and formulate the learning demand

 Communication skills (DD4)

- Being able to talk, negotiate, and argue using the specialized lexicon

- Being able to write texts of various genres.

 Learning skills (DD5)

-          Being able to identify one’s learning needs

English-language Lectures + Laboratory held by a native speaker. 

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may

be made to the above to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

B1 level of CEFR

Attendance in the laboratory activities and the lectures is highly recommended, due to the communicative language teaching approach.  

Morphological, syntactical, and lexical analysis of different text types; reading comprehension activities with a focus on the scientific lexicon of Psychology, particularly on the following topics:

- Industrial/Organizational Psychology ( Workplace stressors)

- Physiological Psychology (Friedman and Rosenman: Type A and heart disease)

- Psychoanalysis (Freud, Methods used in the Psychodynamic Approach)

- "Problem Column" in Teenagers Magazine

- Shyness

- Human Emotions

- Lexicology (Metaphors, Idioms, Semantic change).

 Write a scientific article

- Write an email

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

- Identify and use the grammatical and syntactical structures dealt with during lessons

- Recognize and use the most frequently recurring elements of the specialized lexicon

- Read, translate, and comment on texts about Psychology

- Sum up information found in texts/films.

Grammar and language skills:

- Grammar: M. Swan, C. Walter, D. Bertocchi, The Good Grammar Book for Italian Students, Oxford U.P., 2015 (only for reference, 318 pp);

– Language skills: Handouts will be provided (about 20 pp.)

Monographic course:
1. S. Porro, English for Psychological Studies, Celid 2009 (pp. 43-67, 24 pp)

2. Handouts (on Freud, "Problem Column" in Teenagers Magazine, Shyness, Human Emotions, Lexicology, Scientific article, E-mail, 20 pp).

General English written test (B1+/B2 level) and oral exam.

Ø  Admission to the oral examination requires a minimum score of 18 out of 30 on the General English written test.

Ø  The written test shall remain valid for one year from the date of passing.

Ø  This test may be replaced by possession of a language certification at an equivalent level issued by accredited Institutions and/or a language certificate issued by the University Language Centre.

The criteria for evaluating the oral exam are presented:
• Phonetic, translational and grammatical awareness
• Adequacy of expression, knowledge of specific language
• Ability to rework knowledge
• Systematic treatment
• Broadness of thematic awareness and lexical correctness
• Critical insight skills

Participation in an ongoing assessment (mock oral exam interview) is optional. The ongoing interview can contribute to the final evaluation if the individual student requests it. The student may also choose not to count the ongoing assessment mark and use this opportunity simply for informal verification.
The final assessment will be equal to the average of the grades obtained in the examination tests.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested

students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory

and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs.

Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata

— Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within the department

(https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

The written test focuses on the B1+/B2 CEFR level.

The oral exam focuses on a discussion of the topics dealt with in the laboratory and lectures 

Students will be required to read, translate, answer comprehension questions, summarize, and comment.

 The exam mainly tests knowledge of specific vocabulary.  

For example: 

Can you read and translate this article, essay, or paragraph?

What does this expression mean?

Can you summarize the text?

Can you comment on the video, film, or article?

Can you define "Type-A personality"?

Can you use a synonym for "downside"?

Think of a scientific metaphor and explain it.