ENGLISH LANGUAGE (EXAM)

The aim of the course is to give students the opportunity to extend and enrich their English language skills with particular emphasis on spoken and written communication. Classroom activities are designed to encourage students to use language effectively for both academic and professional purposes. A range of tourism-related topics is presented during the course, including global travel trends and their impact on the Italian tourism industry.

By the end of the course students will have learnt how to:
- discuss, take up a position and participate in a debate on a current tourism-related topic
- critically analyse the visitor experience in a cultural destination and make recommendations based on research findings
- cooperate in teamwork
- give a dynamic and successful presentation in English
- write an academic essay according to international study requirements
- write a personal statement / motivational letter

Minimum level of English required: B2 (or higher) in the CEFR.

During the course students will have the opportunity to read authentic texts, watch videos, debate, discuss and comment on a variety of topics, including:

- Cultural Heritage: Conserving the past
- Visitor experience and involvement
- Sustainable tourism
- Organizing grand events
- Travel trends
- Marketing and social media
- Destination Management

Professional skills such as public speaking and giving presentations will be incorporated into the course. Academic skills will include learning how to give a seminar and writing an academic essay.

A dispensa with all the reading texts will be available for students to download form the Moodle Platform on the professor's homepage. Each reading text will be accompanied by specific exercises and activities designed to give students practice in all four language skills. These exercises will be published weekly and must be brought to class together with the dispensa.

Students' performance will be evaluated through:

1) A written exam testing grammar, vocabulary and the production of a written document for a professional situation (e.g. a job application letter or personal statement).

2) An individually written essay on one of the topics covered in the course. Students will be guided throughout the course on the specific techniques and language needed to produce a successful academic essay.

3) A group oral presentation focussing on visitor experience in Italy.

Lessons will be a combination of teacher-fronted instruction, blended learning through different visual and audio media and collaborative learning in teams.

English

Regular attendance during the course is strongly advised as both the written and oral components of the exam are strictly linked to the activities carried out in class.

As well as the classroom activities, students will also have the opportunity to meet the professor during the 2° period, with the other members of their research groups, in order to have more specific practice in spoken communication and support for their work on the Visitor Experience Project.

written and oral