Learning objectives

At the end of the course the student will be able to identify and distinguish the notions of text genres and textual typologies and will be able to recognize the organizational structure –macrostructure and microstructures– of texts in the field of tourism and international trade. Special attention will also be paid to the translation skills of specialized texts. Furthermore, C2 language level of competence in Spanish (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is also required.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Knowledge and skills related to the Spanish language and linguistics acquired in previous years of university studies.
To take the exam, a C2 level of language proficiency is also required, which corresponds to 3 of the 9 credits for the course. Verification of this proficiency is based on certifications (comprising a computerized test, a written exam, and an oral exam) from the University Language Center (CLA) or the DELE from the Instituto Cervantes, subject to prior equivalence from the CLA listed on the platform. CLA C2 language certifications obtained after October 1, 2024, are valid for three years from the date of achievement.

Program

The course focuses on the study of the varieties of Spanish from a diatopic, social and dialectal point of view in order to then be able to deal with the varieties and styles of the language of the professional communication in the tourism and commerce sectors with an adequate basis.
The topics covered in the lectures include
Part 1
– The concept of linguistic norm (normative centres and institutions) with respect to the language in use.
– Linguistic variation in its diatopic dimension; dialectology and linguistic geography in the Hispanic context.
– Tools: corpora; differential dictionaries and integral dictionaries for a linguistic variety; linguistic atlases.
– Spanish varieties in Spain, in African and Asian contexts. Linguistic analysis of documents relating to the area of international trade and tourism
Part 2
– American Spanish: history, dialect characterizations, diversity and linguistic, socio-political and demographic panorama.
– In-depth analysis of one or more varieties that are especially relevant in the current geoeconomic set up. Linguistic analysis of documents relating to the area of international trade and tourism
Part 1 will be taught by Professor Elisa Sartor and Part 2 by Professor Francesca Dalle Pezze.

Didactic methods

Lectures with theoretical and practical content.
Teaching support: Supplementary teaching and support materials will be uploaded to the course e-learning platform. Furthermore, the instructors are available to provide support during their office hours.
Specific support and tutoring activities are available for inclusion and accessibility, particularly for Language and Literature courses in the French, English, Russian, Spanish, and German areas. These activities will be advertised on the Department's website.

Learning assessment procedures

1) For students who attend lessons (75% minimum) the exam will be a 90-minute written test entirely in Spanish to be taken during the official exam sessions. It will be based on the topics covered during the lectures and on the compulsory bibliography for “studenti frequentanti”. It will include multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and open questions. Some questions will require metalinguistic competence and the ability to identify phenomena covered during the course and to provide clear examples. The exam paper will be differentiated according to students' status (attending/non attending). In any case, the use of dictionaries or electronic devices is not allowed during the exam.
2) For students who do not attend lessons the exam will be a 90-minute written test entirely in Spanish to be taken during the official exam sessions. It will be based only on the compulsory bibliography and materials for “studenti non frequentanti” and will include open questions. The use of dictionaries or electronic devices is not allowed during the exam.
All published instructions also apply to Erasmus students, who are advised to contact the instructors at the start of the course for further information. Spanish native-speaker Erasmus students are requested to get in touch with the lecturer sat the beginning of the course for the integration of 3 CFU (if applicable).
The exam may be taken following the syllabus and methods indicated until the January/February 2028 session.

Evaluation criteria

Breadth of knowledge and skills acquired; clarity and precision of answers; use of language, disciplinary terminology, and clarity of presentation. Answers must be formulated in complete sentences and in correct Spanish, appropriate to the level required for a master's degree program.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final mark will be expressed in a scale of 30 and will be the arithmetic mean between the grade obtained in the written test (18/30 minimum) and the grade from the Spanish proficiency exam (converted in a scale of 30 in accordance with the indications detailed in “Vademecum normativo per gli studenti dell'Area di Lingue e Letterature Straniere"). Results will be communicated via the ESSE3 platform.

Exam language

Spagnolo/Español/Spanish