POLITICAL AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

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

• Analyse economic and political discourse for rhetorical and discursive strategies.

• Recognise and apply concepts such as ethos, pathos, logos, satire, euphemism, and repetition

• Understand how economic narratives (globalisation, crisis, inequality) interact with political persuasion.

• Critically evaluate rhetorical performances from historical, activist, and populist traditions.

• Present independent research in oral form.

Assessment Criteria and Grading Scale

In Italy, examination results are expressed on a scale from 18/30 (minimum pass) to 30/30 (maximum). The highest grade may be awarded with “lode” (cum laude), reserved for outstanding performance. There is no direct equivalence with percentages or GPA, but the system can be understood as ranging from “sufficient” to “excellent,” with an additional level of distinction.

• Fail (0–17): The student does not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the basic course content and/or has not completed the required work.

• 18–20 (Pass – Sufficient): Minimal knowledge of the subject; very limited ability to apply concepts; significant difficulty in critical discussion.

• 21–24 (Fair – Discrete): Adequate command of course topics; correct but basic exposition; frequent need for guidance.

• 25–27 (Good): Solid knowledge of the subject; ability to handle cases and assignments independently, with only minor inaccuracies.

• 28–30 (Very Good – Excellent): Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge; autonomous ability to make connections between themes and sources; clear exposition with no significant errors.

• 30 cum laude (Distinction): Exceptional performance, marked by originality, critical insight, and virtually complete mastery of the subject.