ENGLISH FOR ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

This is a course for upper intermediate levels. Students will study the language used in the realms of economics, current business trends and ethics, related political issues, and intercultural negotiations.

Students will perfect their oral and comprehension skills through textual analyses, with free comment and spontaneous debates in class, with training in listening and study of intercultural negotiation techniques, role-play exercises and particolar attention paid to the development of “cultural intelligence” in international business..

Level B1 or B2 as defined by the CEFR.

Study of texts for spontaneous discussion and of documentaries for listening comprehension, analysis of socio-economic lexicology, and study of the techniques of academic writing. The texts will be drawn from various sources according to events and the desired journalistic quality. Documentaries by renowned specialists and journalists will be projected, with prior lexical study, for comprehension, free comment and spontaneous debate. The videos can also be cited as reference in the elaboration of written work. Some lessons will be devoted to “expository writing”, describing trends and graphs, and writing thesis abstracts. Others will be devoted to the study of current events and intercultural relations. A study of negotiation techniques in a multicultural environment will be included.

Material on Moodle to be downloaded and prepared for the following class.

For all: A paper of about 700 words written at home according to the techniques of academic and professional writing to be studied in class, topic to be chosen from among those provided. This will be followed by an oral discussion of the essay. Non-attending students and students not having participated in a simulation will also, at the oral, answer a “surprise” question on the rest of the course material. Attending students who have participated in a role play will only discuss their essay. All students attending in presence or online are expected to join in the spontaneous discussions.
Exam orals will take place either online or in person according to the situation at the moment, and in respect of the current anti-Covid norms.

According to the situation, classes will be held in presence in "blended" mode, and in respect of the anti-Covid measures, and eventually online if the situation so dictates. Free oral participation encouraged.

English

It is strongly advised to attend classes, including the “lettorato” held by Professor Joann Titmarsh. A language course requires continuous practice. "Office hours" will be held either online or in person (always in respect of the current safety rules), by appointment. Schedule to be published on my web page, when determined. Non-attending students must make at least one appointment with me at least once during the semester for followup. Working students and parents will be accommodated at a different time if more convenient.

written and oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development