Marco Greggi | marco.greggi@unife.it

Joint Curricula and English TeachingBilbao, 05/06/2015

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Preliminary Remarks

• Point of view of the University of Ferrara;– Not a serious concern: Italian Academic system is

State-supervised: same regulations applicable to all Universities;

• Point of view of the Department of Law;– Not a serious concern (as well) the same pattern is

applicable to other Departments / Faculties as well.

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Historical Constraints

1. Legal problems connected with English teaching;

2. Necessity to duplicate all the courses offered in a Foreign language;

3. Reluctance by Professors;4. Issues connected with thesis (Final

dissertation);5. Social and Cultural problems

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Ferrara’s Way

• Multi standard approach to English / foreign languages teaching;

• International mobility schemes– Fast tracking procedures (Reciprocity clause);

• Dual degree diplomas;– EU and Non-EU Universities;

• Ferrara Schools of …– Special purpose careers within UniFe

• Prof. Somma’s project.

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The Department of Law

• One of the most conservative, now one of the most advanced in the University of Ferrara;

• More than 12 Courses in English (more than 72 ECTS available each year);– Introductory courses in French, German, Spanish (18

ECTS) to Italian / EU Law and Italian / EU Legal system;

• Two Joint degrees programmes (Strasbourg, Granada) with dual diploma granted to students.

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The Schools of …

• Diplomas and Degree are attributed by the University according to the law;

• Legal value of Diplomas;• Ferrara’s alternative: “internal dual degree”

granted to qualifying students:– The case of Ferrara School of law;– 13 Schools currently available in Ferrara

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English and International Education

A. Very good marks (far beyond average);B. 1/5 of the academic career spent abroad;C. “Significant part” of exams passed in Ferrara

must be in English;D. Final dissertation must be in English;E. A foreign professor (acting as discussant) is

needed during the Graduation discussion.

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Continued …

• No additional costs for the student;• Possibility open also to foreigners graduating

from Ferrara;• Issues:

1. Extraordinary workload for the Secretary and Professors;

2. Necessity to find foreign colleagues willing to come to Ferrara;

3. Need to promote this possibility.

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Advantages (and limits) of the Diploma

• Pros:– Attempt to recognize the value of the student;– Formal recognition;– Different Diplomas granted;

• Cons:– No legal value of the Diploma (School of …);– No legal recognition in the Public sector.

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English used at the third level (Bologna’s approach)

• The use of English in LL.M. and Ph.D;• Extensive experience;• LL.M. :– Nearly 50% of them in Ferrara now in English;– Minor legal constraints;

• Ph.D (Doctorate):– Peculiarity of the Italian Ph.D System;– Seminars in English (thesis are encouraged as well).

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English … but not only English !

• Dual Degree experience based on “third languages” to be used;

• English accepted only for a limited number of exams:

• Italy – Spain:– Spanish (castellano): one extra year needed

• Italy – France:– French: one extra year needed

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