ENGLISH FOR THE ARTS

This course offers an exploration of topics related to art and cultural heritage through three modules that guide students from textual comprehension to exhibition practice, integrating the development of English language skills for experimentation and active use of the language in specialised contexts. This training program prepares students to confidently face professional challenges in the cultural field, equipping them with the linguistic and critical tools necessary to integrate into national and international work contexts successfully. The course responds to the growing needs for internationalisation in the cultural sector, helping to train professionals who can work as cultural mediators, art critics, curators, museum operators, and communicators specialising in the global art scene.

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

- Analyse and interpret works of art and cultural heritage with critical competence in English, mastering the specialised terminology of the art and museum sector
- Understand and evaluate the dynamics of the art market and the mechanisms of the museum system
- Communicate complex topics related to art and cultural heritage effectively, using appropriate language in English
- Actively master technical, critical, and curatorial vocabulary
- Support articulate arguments through discussions and debates in English on artistic and cultural issues
- Produce texts such as critical reviews, curatorial descriptions, and comparative analyses in English

A minimum knowledge of English at level B2 CEFR is required.

The course is structured in three modules:

Module 1: interpreting art
In this first module, students will acquire the methodological tools necessary for the analysis and interpretation of works of art. Different interpretations will be explored, along with the vocabulary needed to develop a critical and personal approach to the understanding of artwork.
Module 2: art's value
The second module focuses on analysing the market value of art. The dynamics of the auction house and art gallery market will be examined, as well as the language necessary to operate in English in these environments.
Module 3: displaying art
The last module addresses the practical aspects of presenting and exhibiting works of art and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on museum environments. Students will explore museum communication techniques and strategies for promoting artistic and cultural heritage in English.

Each in-person lesson involves discussion, reading and written activities in preparation for the final exam. The course program and examination procedures will be the same for both attending and non-attending students.

The materials will be made available by the instructor on Moodle, within the folders for each lesson.

Short written test consisting of an analysis or commentary on a topic covered in the course.

The written test will be graded based on:

- Analytical and critical skills: ability to develop an in-depth and original analysis of the chosen topic, demonstrating independent critical thinking
- Language skills: grammatical correctness, lexical accuracy, and appropriate use of specialised terminology
- Theoretical knowledge: effective and relevant application of the theoretical and methodological content learned in the three modules of the course
- Argumentative skills: construction of a logical, coherent, and well-structured discourse, with the development of convincingly argued theses
- Originality and creativity: ability to propose personal interpretations supported by solid theoretical foundations

written

1. Grade range: 28-30 with honours

Complete mastery of specialised English terminology
Original and in-depth critical analysis
Fluid and well-structured argumentation
Confident and well-applied theoretical knowledge
Ability to synthesise across modules

2. Grade range: 25-27

Good linguistic mastery with appropriate use of specialized vocabulary
Solid analytical skills with hints of originality
Coherent and well-organized argumentation
Complete theoretical knowledge of the content

3. Grade range: 22-24

Adequate linguistic competence with some lexical inaccuracies
Correct analysis, but with limited critical insights
Linear and comprehensible argumentation
Satisfactory theoretical knowledge

4. Grade range: 19-21

Basic linguistic competence with errors that do not compromise comprehension
Simple but correct analysis of essential content
Elementary but logical argumentation
Superficial but present theoretical knowledge

5. Grade 18

Minimal linguistic competence with frequent errors
Analysis lacking in depth but essentially correct
Argumentation is fragile but understandable
Theoretical knowledge is incomplete but sufficient to pass

6. Grade range: < 18

Serious linguistic gaps that compromise communication
Incorrect or absent analysis
Incoherent argumentation
Inadequate theoretical knowledge

The course adopts a teaching methodology that integrates the use of digital platforms and multimedia resources to enrich the learning experience. Specifically, the course will follow the following method:

- Lectures: introduction to fundamental theoretical content with guided discussions and opportunities for interaction that encourage active participation in English.
- Case study analysis: in-depth examination of significant works of art, artists, exhibitions, and cultural events through different critical methodologies, using sources in English.
- Writing exercises: practical sessions dedicated to the development of academic writing skills in English, with graded exercises on the drafting of critical and analytical texts.

As this is an applied language course, regular attendance is strongly recommended

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development